Arrests and dispersals following antisocial behaviour in Broadstairs and Margate

Several arrests were made and gatherings of people dispersed as Kent Police responded quickly to reports of antisocial behaviour in Broadstairs and Margate.

Large numbers of people travelled to the coastal towns on Wednesday 24 June 2026 and whilst the vast majority enjoyed the warm weather in a responsible manner, there were unfortunately pockets of disorder.

At around 5.35pm the force was notified of a fight on the beach at Viking Bay in Broadstairs involving a small group of people, which attracted a crowd of onlookers.

Officers attended and arrested an 18-year-old man from London, an 18-year-old man from Swanley and a 16-year-old boy from Dartford on suspicion of assault.

A man in his 20s suffered a cut to his head in the incident, and enquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing.

Meanwhile in Margate, patrols were called to reports of further fighting on the beach. They attended to disperse the crowds and at around 7.35pm they arrested an 18-year-old man from London who they believed had been throwing punches at numerous people. He initially tried to run away from officers but was caught a short time later and taken into custody.

Police also responded to a disturbance at the town’s railway station where several people including a security guard were reported to have been assaulted. An 18-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of affray.

Video footage

Unacceptable

Chief Inspector Ian Swallow, District Commander for Thanet, said:

‘We have made it very clear that we will not tolerate antisocial behaviour in our coastal towns this summer or at any other time of the year, and as demonstrated by these incidents we will quickly make arrests and move people on when necessary. ‘If people cannot enjoy the warm weather without fighting or causing a nuisance to others then they should stay at home, otherwise they will be forced to go home or could find themselves in custody. ‘Our beaches are some of the most beautiful in the UK and it is inevitable that large numbers of people including parents with young children will travel here to make the most of the high temperatures. It is unacceptable that a minority of troublemakers will ruin the enjoyment of others because they do not know how to behave, and we will not stand for it. ‘We will continue to have a highly visible presence in our coastal towns for the rest of this week and throughout the summer, and dispersal orders remain in place in Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Westwood Cross. This will help to keep any further disorder to a minimum and prevent it from occurring in the first place.’