Two arrests following village dispersal order

Two teenagers have been arrested after Kent Police imposed a dispersal order in an east Kent village.

During the first week of April 2024, Kent Police received reports that a group of teenagers had been entering empty buildings in Ash, causing a nuisance for shop workers and shouting and swearing at residents.

In response, a 48-hour dispersal order was implemented in the village from 4pm on Monday 8 April, giving officers extra powers to disperse groups of people and arrest those who failed to comply.

Regular patrols have since been carried out, resulting in the arrest of two teenage boys during the period of the dispersal order.

Tackling nuisance behaviour

One of those boys, who is 13, was taken home and spoken to in the presence of his parents.

Another, who is 16, was charged with breaching the terms of a Community Protection Notice which was imposed on him earlier this year. He has been bailed to appear before a youth court later this month.

Acting Chief Inspector Mark Sankey said: 'We are well aware of the impact that anti-social behaviour of this kind has on the quality of life of residents and those working in local businesses. For this reason, we quickly acted to institute this dispersal order and take action against those involved. We will not hesitate to take such steps again should any further issues arise in future.'