Policing update following disorder in Broadstairs

High visibility patrolling will continue in Broadstairs following reports of antisocial behaviour over the weekend.

Kent Police put in place a dispersal order which covered areas in the town centre and beaches.

Officers were also granted additional authority to stop and search people under section 60 of the Public Order Act after incidents of under-age street drinking, fighting and aggressive behaviour towards staff at shops and restaurants was reported.

As a result, a 17 year old boy was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer. He was bailed to attend Maidstone Youth Court at a later date.

Four teenagers, two boys aged 16, a 17 year old boy and a 15 year old girl were also arrested on suspicion of offences relating to public order, assault and criminal damage. They have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A number of others were spoken to and moved on to keep the area safe.

Investigation

Officers are continuing to investigate the incidents over the weekend, including criminal damage to a business premises in the town and a large disturbance on the seafront and are reviewing video clips posted online to identify those responsible.

Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said: ‘Broadstairs is a beautiful place for local residents and visitors, and we are determined to keep it that way. ‘That is why, in response to the weekend's incidents, we made a number of arrests and brought in dispersal orders to break up the large groups of youths causing issues last week. ‘We will continue to investigate the incidents to bring offenders to justice and we are working to ensure extra patrols are in the area over the summer to deter further incidents in future.’