Police have banned youths from congregating after a spate of anti-social behaviour and reports of yobs brandishing machetes.

Residents near Singleton Lake in Ashford say the area has become blighted with daily brawls among gangs of youngsters shouting racist abuse and dealing drugs.

Paul Misely said: "At least 15 police officers were at Singleton Lake last night after reports of anti-social behaviour, including youths with a machete and firearms a few days before.

“They moved on at least 15 people, who have been banned from the area under a section 32 dispersal order. There was criminal damage to the area, with wildlife shot at and more.”

It follows numerous reports of anti-social behaviour in the area in recent months, with PCSOs seizing catapults and slings off youths who were causing trouble to wildlife.

A spokesman for Kent Police said officers have received reports of problems around Singleton Lake, but said no offensive weapons or firearms had been found from the incident on Tuesday, July 19.

The spokesman said: “Officers attended the area and later in the evening a dispersal order was implemented to allow officers to move on those who were causing anti-social behaviour.”

Have you witnessed any anti-social behaviour in Singleton? Contact the newsroom on 01233 895808 or email abarlow@thekmgroup.co.uk.