Police are investigating reports that homeless men living under Deal Pier have been giving alcohol to under-aged children.

Officers have been making inquiries and spoken to a number of young people and parents.

One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Mercury that children were going underneath the pier to drink late at night.

She said it was difficult to see the area from the road, and she thought fencing or CCTV cameras needed to be put up to block the area off or stop the problem continuing.

She added: “It can’t be a nice place to be and it’s very dangerous. As a parent it’s just awful to think about.”

Parents have also contacted Environmental Health and Kent County Council in a bid to move the homeless men on and stop such incidents from happening.

PCSO Garry Faulkner and his colleagues also carrying out regular patrols in the area.

A police spokesman said: “I can confirm that we are aware of some homeless men under the pier and have received reports of drink being given to under-aged children.

“We would urge parents to ensure they know where their children are and who they are with, and to remind them of the dangers of alcohol and drugs.

“Anyone who sees anti-social behaviour or under-aged drinking is asked to report it immediately by phoning 101.”

The pier is owned by Dover District Council, but the authority said it did not have plans to erect fencing or cameras yet as it wasn’t aware of the problem.

A DDC spokesman said: “We are not aware of any issues of this nature at this time. However, we will look into this matter, and we continue to work closely with our community safety partners, including the police, to ensure the district remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

“We encourage everyone to report any concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour to the relevant authorities.”

People can contact the DDC Community Safety Unit on 01304 872220 or the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.