by Rachel Hovenden

rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk

Police arrested five people last night for minor criminal damage in Gravesend.

They also dispersed groups of youths.

The arrests come in the wake of riots which began on Saturday in Tottenham, London, and spread to Birmingham, Manchester and other cities.

At Bluewater shopping centre riot police were also drafted in to ward off trouble.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the shopping centre said yesterday: "Bluewater remains open for business as usual.

"The safety and security of our guests and hosts remains our priority and we will continue to work alongside Kent police and act on their advice.

"Due to recent events, Bluewater can confirm an increased police presence has been put in place on site."

On Monday night Tree Estate Community Centre in Cedar Road, Dartford was doused in petrol but did not catch fire.

Notices went up at petrol stations around the county yesterday advising customers that fuel will only be sold to motorists and not in cans.

It is thought police feared it could be used in petrol bombs should violence spark in Kent again.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Pughlsey said: "I'd like to thank the people of Kent and Medway for their messages of support, and for the information they've given us.

"The plans we put in place last night worked very well, and we will be working hard to make sure it stays that way.

"We will continue to take a zero tolerance approach, we will support all lawful activities, but will swiftly challenge any hint of disorder.

"We sent a very clear message to anyone trying to come to Kent to attack our community to stay away or face the consequences.

"The people of Kent have shown they neither want nor support thuggery and violence in any form, and we thank them for their support last night in keeping the streets calm and peaceful, so businesses could trade normally and people could go about unmolested.

"We will continue to have extra officers on duty across Kent and Medway."