Special powers are to be brought in for police ahead of a suspected “car cruise” event in Bolton this Sunday.

Officers announced early on the morning of Sunday, July 23 that they had intelligence about the illegal event apparently scheduled to take place in the borough later in the day.

In response they had authorised a “dispersal order” that will take effect on Sunday afternoon and stay in place until Monday morning, giving officers extra powers.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “A large-scale police operation will be in place and a dispersal order has been authorised.

"This is to prevent this kind of activity and to take enforcement action against anti-social behaviour in the area, specifically that which involves vehicles.

The Bolton News: Another car cruise event last MayAnother car cruise event last May (Image: GMP)

"The order will be in place from 4pm on Sunday, July 23 until 7am on Monday, July 24 and gives police officers and PCSOs authority to disperse groups acting in an anti-social manner.

"Failure to disperse could lead to arrest, or traffic offences being recorded."

Car cruises refer to illegally organised events where drivers meet to show off their vehicles and where some will drive at high speeds or perform stunts.

Last year, Greater Manchester Police announced that they were cracking down in illegal meetings like these and that they were prepared to prosecute those taking part.

Officers have repeatedly warned that events like these, which are not professionally organised, can put people's lives at risk. 

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Just last November, two men, one of them from Bolton, were arrested after one of the biggest car cruise events the region has ever seen.

Around 350 cars from across the north of England are believed to have been driven at the event, which was was spread over Salford, Wigan, Trafford and Cheadle, starting in Stockport.

Dispersal orders give police the power to ask two or more people to leave a designated area if the believe they are likely to cause a nuisance to someone else.

Anyone with any concerns or information can call police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.