Police in Birmingham city centre have new powers from Saturday to move on groups of people they suspect are causing a nuisance.

Starting on the day of England's first World Cup 2006 game, police can disperse groups of people they think are behaving in an anti social way.

The powers cover the main shopping areas and the area around the Cathedral and will run until December.

Officers say they hope it will mean a more peaceful summer.

They think is could also lead to fewer disturbances during the World Cup.

A spokesman said: "Two or more people can be asked to move on by police if they are causing a nuisance and officers have the power of arrest if they return within 24 hours.

"Warning posters have been displayed in the city centre to promote the new powers."

Great initiative, works really well. I think the worst football related incidents we've had in MET area were a couple of years ago in Croydon (ZD) where it got quite nasty and a lot of officers were injured. I'm sure there was speculation at the time that if people could have been dispersed earlier then it could well have been prevented.