A dispersal zone has been established in an attempt to reduce so-called aggressive begging outside a station.

Constable David Cotton, from Leytonstone police, announced the zone will start this morning outside both entrances to Leytonstone tube station and along High Road, until Friday.

The zone enables police to order beggars to leave the area and they can be arrested if they return in 24 hours.

The announcement came at the community forum meeting at St John’s Church Hall, in High Road, Leytonstone, where it was also revealed the police station in Kirkdale Road was closing today.

Constable Cotton said: “The main crime in Leytonstone at the moment is aggressive begging.

“Do not give money to them because if they are not making money then they will move on. It is as simple as that.

“Like a business, if it is not making money then it will cease to exist.

“There have been no reports of assaults. I think the aggression is just a tactic they use to get money, but call 999 straight away if you feel threatened."