Yobs have been warned to stay away from Ashford town centre this weekend - or risk being told to leave by the police.

A dispersal order is being enforced in central Ashford following reports of anti-social behaviour.

The order came into force at 4pm today and will remain in place until 4pm on Sunday afternoon.

It follows complaints by shopkeepers and residents about nuisance behaviour in and around the town centre.

This has included threats and abuse being directed at security staff in the County Square and Park Mall shopping centres and local restaurants.

While the order is running anyone over the age of 10 can be ordered to leave a designated area which includes parts of West Street, Forge Lane, Somerset Road, Station Road and Elwick Road.

They cannot then return for a stated period of time if an officer or Police Community Support Officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that their behaviour has contributed, or is likely to contribute, to the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.

It is an offence to fail to leave when directed, without a reasonable excuse.

Insp Andrew Bidmead, said: "This dispersal order has been created in response to reports we have received from residents and partner agencies.

"Anti-social behaviour is, at its lowest level, a nuisance to people in the surrounding area however it can also cause people to feel threatened. That is something we cannot allow.

"We will continue to work with partner agencies to reduce future incidents. If necessary, we will not hesitate to issue a similar order in the future."