Police have promised to step-up their patrols in a town centre after numerous reports of teenagers causing mayhem in a churchyard.

People living close to St Mary and St Eanswythe Church in Folkestone are said to be reporting antisocial behaviour daily, and vandals have even gone as far as destroying two headstones in the churchyard.

One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "People have been calling the police every day.

"Some days there have been up to 30 school children. They have broken tombstones, they hurl missiles, they've broken trees. Basically, it's a riot every day."

DI Sheena Barrell, of Folkestone Community Safety Unit, said: "Local officers have been made aware of a number of recent reports of anti-social behaviour near St Mary and St Eanswythe Church, including reports of criminal damage.

"We understand that such behaviour can have a big impact on the lives of local residents and parishioners and we are working with partner agencies to prevent such incidents taking place.

"Our town centre team is carrying out additional high-visibility patrols in the area at the times when previous incidents have been reported.

"Officers continue to engage with young people who use the area and educate them on the impact of any unacceptable behaviour. Anyone found to be committing criminal offences will be dealt with robustly."

It is understood the damage was caused to the memorials on Friday, April 22, and the matter is now being investigated by police.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council says its community safety team is working with Kent Police to establish who is responsible for the damage to the memorials.

Anyone with information about the destruction of the gravestones should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/86046/22.