Dispersal orders issued for seaside towns

Dispersal orders have been issued in a number of Kent seaside towns to deter anti-social and nuisance behaviour, as warm weather is expected over the weekend.

Kent Police have issued orders for parts of Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate, which started at 14:00 BST on Friday. A separate order is due to begin in Whitstable at 16:00.

Kent Police said the orders, which give additional powers to officers to deter nuisance behaviour, were expected to stay in place for 48 hours.

Supt Pete Steenhuis from Kent Police said: "Our coastal towns are wonderful places to enjoy the warm, sunny weather and we want to keep them that way."

A force spokesperson said the orders meant people would need to leave the affected areas if asked, otherwise they could be arrested.

Equipment such as music speakers could also be seized.

Steenhuis added: "The overwhelming majority of people who choose to socialise in these areas do so respectfully and responsibly, and anyone who would seek to spoil it for others should expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.