Police tackle disorder in seaside towns

Officers dispersed a group of teenagers in Herne Bay

Nineteen people have been moved on from Kent coast town centres as part of efforts to curb anti-social behaviour, police have said.

Over the weekend from Friday, dispersal orders were placed in Herne Bay and Whitstable.

Kent Police said neighbourhood policing teams patrolled the areas and were able to identify and tackle nuisance behaviour.

"Those identified were ordered to leave the local area and told that they could not return for 24 hours as they risked further prosecution," a spokesperson for the force said.

The temporary measures were implemented as part of a response to reports of underage street drinking and aggressive behaviour towards staff at shops and restaurants between 19 to 21 June, the force said.

Officers arrested and interviewed four people aged from 12 to 17 in relation to a disturbance in Victoria Park, Herne Bay, which allegedly took place on 23 June.

Two people have been bailed with conditions and another two people have been released under investigation, police added.

Officers also interviewed several teenagers following reports of thefts from retail shops in both Herne Bay and Whitstable.

Ch Insp Paul Stoner said: "Through the dispersal orders set in place over the weekend, officers have been able to act swiftly to prevent issues from escalating.

"Residents, visitors, and businesses deserve to feel safe, and Kent Police will continue to work to ensure Herne Bay and Whitstable remain welcoming places for everyone to enjoy."