Police have brought a dispersal order into a town centre after a spike in antisocial behaviour.

The order is being enforced in Ashford for two half-term days after more than 50 reports in just two weeks.

A number of these reports includes incidents where staff at shops and restaurants were threatened and abused.

The order will remain in place from 12 noon today until the same time on Thursday.

It includes areas within West Street, Forge Lane, Somerset Road, Station Road and Elwick Road among others.

While the order is running, police officers can order any person over 10 years of age to leave the area and not return for a stated period of time, if the officer suspects that their behaviour has contributed, or is likely to contribute, to the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.

If the person then fails to leave without a reasonable excuse, or returns within the stated period of time, they can be arrested.

Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster said: "This dispersal order has been created after more than 50 reports have been received from residents and partner agencies in the last two weeks of anti-social behaviour in the area.

"Anti-social behaviour is, at 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."