Right-wing activists have been accused of whipping up tensions in Dartford after restaurant owners were targeted over the sale of halal foods.

Britain First leader Paul Golding was filmed in the town centre on Friday saying the group had started a national “anti-halal operation”.

Members issued leaflets warning people not to eat at restaurants such as Eden Palace and Kent Curry in Hythe Street, and Radhuny in Lowfield Street because they sold halal meat.

Mr Golding claimed those who consumed the produce had inadvertently supported terrorism by paying a zakat tax - a wealth levy aimed at benefiting the poor - but critics described the visit as an attempt to stir up tension.

The 10 minute video was posted on the Britain First website and also appeared on a community Facebook page following concerns from residents.

MP Gareth Johnson said he intended to contact police after business owners were seen in confrontations with Mr Golding and deputy leader Jayda Fransen.

Mr Johnson said: "Dartford has really good race relations and we want to keep it that way. I would like to see the back of this group in Dartford.

"I am contacting Kent Police to seek reassurance that Britain First will not be able to harass or target local businesses in Dartford for their own political aims."

Dartford Labour leader Jonathon Hawkes added: "The community in Dartford will be very clear that Britain First are not welcome in our town.

"Dartford is a great place to live and we can be proud of how our community lives and works together, regardless of faith, nationality, or political belief.

"We build communities in Dartford - groups like Britain First, with their divisive ideas, just want to damage them.

"They are not welcome here and we’ll do all we can to ensure that they don’t use our town to spread their divisive message.”

Halal food is that which adheres to Islamic law, as defined in the Koran. Animals must be slaughtered in a specific way.