Thames Valley Police are to set up dispersal orders for both Oxford and Didcot ahead of the eagerly awaited Thames Valley Derby on Saturday.

Brought forward to a lunchtime kick-off following police discussions, more than 20 arrests were made at the reverse fixture in December.

Section 35 and 60 AA orders will be put in place as a preventative measure to ensure the safety of fans and local communities in the area.

Reading Chronicle: Section 35 and 60 orders will be in place in this area of Oxford on Saturday

Section 35 dispersal powers give officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) the power to disperse individuals and groups of people causing harassment, alarm or distress from the locality.

A Section 60 AA order gives an officer the power to require any person to remove an item which the officer reasonably believes the person intends to wear to conceal their identity. This can also include seizing that item.

Both orders will be in place from 8am until 8pm on Saturday in Oxford as well as Didcot.

Football Spotters, Mounted Officers, Police Dogs and Drones will also be deployed to provide reassurance for our local communities.

Superintendent Adrian Hall, Tactical Commander for the policing operation said: “The majority of people attending this game will be there to enjoy the football and our officers will be there throughout the day and on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to approach them.

“We continue to work with both football clubs, our partners and local communities to ensure a safe operation and prevent those who pose a risk of anti-social behaviour from impacting on others.”