An increased police presence will be visible in a town centre this weekend in a bid to stamp out disorderly behaviour.

Officers will be patrolling targeted sites around Dartford Town Centre following reports of a rise in anti-social behaviour in recent months.

Additional powers have been granted to officers from 2.30pm today until 2.30pm tomorrow.

These powers apply to locations within Instone Road, Home Gardens, Highfield Road, Lowfield Street and Westgate Road and allow constables to stop and search any pedestrian or vehicle if any weapons are suspected to be present.

District Commander for Dartford, Chief Inspector Will Lay, said: “Due to concerns about a minority of individuals involved in violent crime in the town centre, officers will be completing mobile and foot patrols throughout the day, to prevent further offending and reassure residents and businesses.

“Officers have been given additional powers which will be used in a targeted manner to ensure anyone seeking to travel to Dartford, intent on committing crime, is stopped.

“Those found in possession of weapons or controlled drugs will be swiftly detained and taken into custody.”

It comes not long after a teenager was charged for the suspected murder of an 18-year-old man who was stabbed to death in an alleyway in Suffolk Road last Friday (April 14).

Anyone who wishes to report an incident of concern or crime should contact Kent Police via the Kent Police website. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.