Police are regularly patrolling a beauty spot which has become a "hotspot" for randy doggers amid fears it is becoming a no-go area.

Officers have been dispatched to Crabbles Bottom, a 27-acre ancient orchard in Higham near Gravesend following concerns over "unsavoury activities".

The meadow off Crutches Lane is reported to be a favoured destination for sexual deviants and voyeurs.

Inside the woodland hotspot, dubbed "The Den" by locals, floors are littered with condom wrappers and wet wipes are left strewn across branches.

Pathways have also been forged in the foliage to provide quick exits for those caught in the act.

Daylight dogging reportedly involving men, mostly between the ages of 20 and 50, has aroused fears locally due to its proximity to local schools.

In response, police have been patrolling the area in recent weeks and the parish council is also considering investing in a camouflaged camera to clampdown on randy romps.

But while regular patrols are welcome, one villager, who did not wish to be named, believes it does not go far enough.

"This is a dogging hotspot in England and residents are starting to feel we are not doing anything about it," he said.

"I have ended up having a physical altercation with one person. He had his hands on me trying to punch me through the car window.

"I told the police and the council it is going on here. Some of it is crude and you don't want to to hear it but this is what your residents are having to endure."

The resident has called for extra deterrents to be put in place, including signs marking the presence of schools nearby.

He added: "People are now starting to not feel safe down there."

Similar problems have been reported at a lay-by off Gravesend Road by the Wainscott bypass.

Meetings to discuss ways to address the "unsavoury activities" have been held between local parish councils and the police.

Gravesham councillor Bob Lane said: "The police are aiming to make it one of their 'red' routes which they routinely patrol whenever they are in the area, and will speak to anyone acting suspiciously in the area.

"The parish council will consider deploying a camouflaged camera periodically to monitor the situation.

"In the meantime, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police online or on 101, and to dial 999 if any indecent activity/exposure is in progress. But do not approach anyone or put yourself at risk."

Police were contacted for comment.