A dispersal order has been put in place across Canterbury city centre this weekend in a bid to crack down on crime.

Police have taken the step after an officer was assaulted in a high street incident on Thursday evening.

The dispersal authority has been granted "to deal with antisocial behaviour and crime over the weekend".

The order will remain in place until 2.59pm tomorrow (Sunday).

Kent Police Canterbury said on Twitter that the measure means "any person can be directed to leave the area in certain circumstances."

The move comes after a teenage boy was arrested following the assault of a police officer in the city centre.

Police were called to St George's Street in Canterbury at about 4.30pm on Thursday, after a report of a group of young people causing a nuisance near the city centre's McDonald's.

While speaking to those at the scene, a male officer was assaulted.

A knife was later recovered nearby, and a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and possession of a knife.

He has since been bailed, pending further enquiries.

The officer is not believed to have been seriously injured in the assault.

A 13-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, in relation to a pair of glasses belonging to a bystander that were damaged.

He has since been released without charge.

There have been other growing concerns regarding crime and antisocial behaviour in Canterbury.

Residents living near the Dane John Gardens have this week called for regular police patrols in the city centre park, following a number of incidents.