Setting CCTV cameras on fire, firing catapults and throwing stones at police has led officers to introduce a dispersal zone to Gravesend’s troubled Dickens estate.

It gives police extra powers to take unaccompanied under-16s home if they are caught in the area between 9pm and 6am.

Anyone refusing to disperse faces a fine or a three-month jail sentence.

Under the Act, any group of two or more people found causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress can be split up.

Police say there have been more than 70 calls from concerned residents since April.

The roads affected include Rochester Road, Denton Court Road, Gerald Road, Havengore Road, Gunfleet Close, Shamrock Road, Thistle Road, Rose Avenue, Ingoldsby Road, Dickens Road, Dering Way, Damigos Road, Fenners Marsh, Allens Mead and Marsh View.

It will run for six months until June 1.

Inspector Chris Carter from the Community Safety Unit said: "After consultation with the council, a dispersal area has been jointly authorised with our partners to assist police in tackling antisocial behaviour in the Denton area.

"This will allow groups we suspect of gathering with the purpose of causing antisocial behaviour to be dispersed and in some circumstances allow children under 16 to be taken home.

"Kent Police uses these measures when there have been large numbers of problems reported and have a good success rate in helping to tackle local issues."