Shops in Kent are being urged by police not to sell flour or eggs to youngsters ahead of Halloween.

Posters are being dished out to stores, who are being asked to refuse service to anyone under 16 looking to buy the everyday goods, which are often used as missiles.

The signs - circulated by Swale Community Safety Partnership - warn: "We're not selling eggs and flour to anyone under 16. Please do not throw eggs.

"Working together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour where you live."

Following a similar campaign in 2018, the police and local authorities faced a backlash from some people who claimed it was discriminatory against teenagers.

One woman said: "Kent Police penalising the many teenagers who are young carers and those who are simply helping out by picking up some shopping.

"Nanny state has gone into overdrive. Matthew Scott (Kent's crime commissioner) please sort your force's priorities. What a waste of taxpayer money."

Others welcomed the scheme, particularly in areas where incidents of anti-social behaviour increased over Halloween.

In the same year, people in Whitstable were being terrorised by yobs throwing eggs at homes and smashing glass in play parks.

Superintendent Pete Steenhuis said: "Kent Police works closely with its partners and local businesses to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour.

"On the run up to Halloween, this includes visiting and encouraging shops to prevent the sale of eggs and flour to young people and reminding ‘trick or treaters’ to respect the wishes of those residents, including vulnerable people, who may not wish to be disturbed."

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