Swadlincote Police have defended a Facebook post they made after breaking up a group of youths playing football on Friday evening at Midway Community Centre.

The post described how the youths had 'scarpered' and left their football behind.

Photos of the two officers involved - with the football - were posted as part of the message.

This drew a series of online comments about the police action, criticising them for stopping a group from playing a friendly game of football.

However, a post today (Sunday) explains that the current lockdown rules do not allow gatherings like that to take place - and that there was more to the incident.

Swadlincote's Safer Neighbourhood Team said there had also been a report of anti-social behaviour in the area - along with a 'strong smell of cannabis'.

And they added that the ball they were using had been stolen from William Allitt School - and it will be delivered back to them.

The SNT message, in full, reads: "Unfortunately, we do not have time to keep up with the 300+ comments that have been made on the post that was put up on Friday evening in relation to the kids playing football on the community centre at Midway.

"Officers were asked to attend the community centre following a report from a member of the public that there was a group of teenagers causing ASB at the location.

"The report stated that they had been noisy, had been disturbing nearby residents and had potentially broken a fence.

"The report also stated that there was a strong smell of cannabis and the youths were breaking lockdown rules.

"On the arrival of our PCSOs, the group of approximately 10 teenagers ran off, leaving their ball and a number of other items littered around the place.

"As they ran away, it was noted that these youths were the same ones that had been moving locations over the last few days and weeks and we have received numerous calls in relation to anti-social behaviour being caused by them.

"While we understand that many people see this as us just breaking up a friendly game of football, this is simply not the case.

"As the Safer Neighbourhood Team, our role is to deal with issues such as this that have a detrimental effect upon our community.

"As a team, we are disappointed in the behaviour of these youths, as we have had numerous dealings with members of this group due to previous problems that have been well advertised.

"We are currently working with the parents of these individuals, their schools and, in some cases, the Youth Offending Team in an attempt to help those individuals, some of whom are followers of this page.

"In regard to lockdown regulations, they are well advertised on the government website and should you have any questions in relation to them then please follow this link: Lockdown Guidance

"While we appreciate that everyone will have a differing opinion in regards to the lockdown, this is not a debate that we will be entering into.

"We also know that no matter what we do, we will not please everyone.

"We often receive varied feedback in relation to our activities.

"However, one thing we must reiterate is that we are a Safer Neighbourhood Team, so responding to anti-social behaviour is an integral part of our role.

"As a section, we also have response teams working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, who respond to emergency calls as well as other priority crime.

"As a team, we are directed by our community and therefore appreciate the opinions and feedback that we get, particularly if this isn't positive as it helps guide our future work.

"We will not tolerate personal insults to our officers and will take action against anyone who feels that this kind of behaviour is acceptable.

"For information, the football recovered by our PCSOs will be returned to the rightful owner, William Allitt School, where it was stolen from."