Groups of “masked and hooded” youths terrorised a town centre by setting off fireworks and damaging vehicles on Halloween.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said she was left “traumatised” after her vehicle was surrounded by the gang in Gravesend town centre at around 10pm.

She described how she was driving with her dad through the town’s one-way system when they were made to stop near McDonald’s.

“They came in front of our car and around it attempting to smash all the windows”, the 20-year-old added. “They also tried getting into the car.

“We managed to get away but as we came around the corner we noticed a few other vehicles that had been attacked whilst driving on the same route.

“We were so frightened and we are traumatised from the incident.”

She believes there were around 30 people in the area and it is thought they were letting off fireworks, terrorising shops and damaging vehicles.

Tesco Express, in New Road, had to close after it was advised to by the local authorities due to the incidents. It has reopened this morning.

Police officers were patrolling the area ahead of any Halloween celebrations and a Section 34 dispersal order was put in place which was used to break up any groups seen to be causing anti-social behaviour.

Several fireworks were seized, community resolution orders – which are used to address low-level offences – were issued and a few youngsters were escorted home by officers. No arrests were made.

Groups of youngsters were also seen causing havoc in Riverview Park and were said to be throwing eggs at the parade of shops.

Last year, families out trick or treating said they were subjected to a night of "absolute hell" as yobs let off fireworks in the middle of the street.

Elsewhere in the county, in Temple Hill, Dartford, a silver Nissan Micra was pushed onto its side in Farnol Road, while a silver Vauxhall Corsa was flipped in Bridges Road in suspected Halloween pranks.

Both incidents happened within metres of each other and residents also reported having eggs thrown at their houses. One man also described a group of teenagers throwing stones, hurling abuse and jumping on his car.

Resident Peter Stanley said he witnessed about eight teenagers causing trouble outside Henderson Fish Bar, in Henderson Drive, at around 8pm.

He said: “They were verbally abusing my wife and the woman behind the counter. Then one of the boys decided he would pick up his friend and put him on top of my bonnet so I ended up with a boy standing on the bonnet of my car.

“I shouted at them and they were abusive and threatened to have a fight with me and then they started throwing stones at the car.”

Police officers confirmed they were called to a report a car had been damaged by a group of young people near Temple Hill at around 8pm.

A spokeswoman for the force added: "It is alleged the victim was also subjected to verbal abuse. Inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway."

Meanwhile, the restaurant and bar Sentado Lounge, in Sittingbourne, had eggs thrown at the windows and plant pots knocked over.

Near Swanley train station, a driver’s dashcam footage picked up a group of girls pouring mayonnaise, ketchup, honey and smashing eggs over his car and others at around 9.30pm.

Videos show multiple teenagers squirting the condiments across the top of the vehicle and over the front window.