POLICE responded to reports of a large group of young people expected to gather in Dawlish last night.

Officers put out a pre-emptive warning ahead of the possibility of a gang of youngsters due to congregate in the resort.

Parents were also asked to ‘discourage’ their children from attending the gathering.

A spokesman for Teignmouth and Dawlish police said: ‘The neighbourhood team have received information that there is to be a large gathering of young people in the Dawlish area this evening.

‘Due to concerns around anti social behaviour and crime and disorder issues that have arisen in previous years, we will be on patrol extensively in both Dawlish and Teignmouth this evening and over the coming days.

‘We will also utilise our dispersal powers if required.

‘Parents, please discourage your children from coming to Teignmouth and Dawlish to engage in anti social behaviour.

‘If you hear or see anything that you feel requires immediate police attention, please call 999.’