Officers have carried out a number of dawn raids across the county to arrest criminals for a range of offences like theft and violence.

Operation Whirlwind is a day of action by Kent Police and is part of a month-long drive to catch criminals and deter crime.

Early morning search warrants were carried out at locations across the county including Maidstone, Gravesend and Ashford.

Eleven people have been arrested so far, including three men, aged 18, 21 and 25, all from the Ashford area who were held on suspicion of drug offences.

Four people are also in custody from Hartley for offences including burglary and the cultivation of cannabis.

Two others, aged 24 and 44, from Northfleet have also been arrested on suspicion of growing the drug.

A 40-year-old woman from Herne Bay was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and another person is in custody from Maidstone on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

A significant amount of property was also seized including cash, drugs, a motorbike, computer equipment and a knuckle duster.

Road checks have taken place thoughout the day too targeting issues such as theft, drink driving and road safety.

At a check in Aylesford this morning, seven fixed penalty notices were issued for vehicles with defects, and three prohibition orders were given to drivers - two for faulty tyres and one for tinted windows.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: "Kent is one of the safest places in the country and we're determined, with your help and support, to keep it that way.

"I have an early Christmas message for criminals: If you're thinking of committing crime in Kent, think again, or pay the price and face the consequences."

Audio: Det Sgt Darren Ryder speaking after today's raids