A 14-year-old boy has been banned from the centre of Croydon after a repeated campaign of violent antisocial behaviour.

Barrington Laing could ultimately face prison if he breaches the conditions of his ASBO, which also bans him from meeting more than four youths anywhere in Croydon, and prevents him associating with 11 other named children.

Detective Sergeant Louise Knipe, who leads Croydon’s Operation Aries gang unit, said: “Despite various supportive interventions, Laing’s anti-social behaviour continued within Croydon town centre leaving the police with no option but to pursue an ASBO.

“The door will always be open to address his behaviour should he wish to engage with the Youth Offending Team.

“However, the public have a right to be able to visit Croydon town centre without the fear of being subjected to this kind of antisocial behaviour and we would encourage the public to help enforce the ASBO by reporting contraventions of the conditions to the police.

“The ASBO seeks to impose clear boundaries on his behaviour and deter him and others from similar behaviour.

“It will also prevent him from associating with a number of other individuals.”

Laing was given the order at Croydon Youth Court on June 2.