SPECIAL powers were used to help prevent trouble around Wembley Stadium before, during and after yesterday evening’s friendly match.

Brent Police used a one-day dispersal order in an area of Tokyngton ward up to a mile from the venue after neighbours complained of bad behaviour coinciding with events at the venue. This included fans acting aggressively, urinating in communal areas, littering and trespassing on property.

The order was in effect for 12am to 12pm for the whole of yesterday when England played Scotland and it gave police the power to move on any groups or individuals causing anti-social behaviour for up to 24 hours and to arrest them for a criminal offence if they did not comply.

Sergeant Pete Goodchild from Tokyngton Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “We will continue to carry out high visibility patrols in the area and target offenders.It is our aim, that every resident, business or visitor in Wembley enjoys the right to live and work in peace without being harassed, alarmed or distressed.

“We will continue to work to identify those responsible and deal with them robustly.”

Councillor Aslam Choudry (Labour), Brent Council's lead member for crime prevention and public safety, said: “Having the national stadium on our doorstep is very exciting but it’s important that we make sure that there’s as little disruption as possible for local residents.

“The council supports orders that mean Brent residents can feel comfortable and safe on event days and that the excitement of those days positively enhances the borough.”

People who return to the dispersal zone after being instructed by police to leave can be arrested and face up to three months imprisonment or a fine of up to £2,500.

The zone covered Harrowdene Road, Sovereign Close, Colding Way, Harrow Close, Crawford Avenue, Harrow Road, High Road, Chatsworth Avenue, Waverley Avenue, Clifton Avenue, Jesmond Avenue, Neeld Crescent, the railway line along to Great Central Way’s junction with Hannah Close, the railway line to Bridge Road, Forty Avenue, East Lane and North Wembley Tube Station, and included all other roads, public places and communal areas within the area.