A number of people were arrested in Romford as police increased their presence following rumours of “planned disorder" on social media.

A dispersal order was put in place for Romford town centre yesterday (August 16) following concern of a repeat of the scenes in Oxford Street last week when shops had to close.

A Met Police spokesperson said seven arrests were made but that none related to the "planned disorder".

Officers engaged with “several groups” and worked in partnership with Havering Council and Romford businesses to improve security arrangements, they added.

A heightened police presence was seen in the area and officers carried out “high visibility” patrols to ensure the safety of residents and shoppers.

A passerby, Kayleigh Walker, posted on social media that “police riot vans were everywhere” and shops were closing from 4pm onwards. There were dog patrol units on site too, she claimed.

Read More: Video shows youths running from police during Romford 'planned looting event'

The dispersal order, which was issued for 48 hours starting at 10am yesterday, allows police to order people to leave the area and not return for a designated period.

Anyone who failed to comply could be arrested.