Groups of youths terrorised an estate by "using fireworks as weapons of terror" on Halloween.

Families out trick or treating in Riverview Park, Gravesend, were subjected to a night of "absolute hell" as yobs let off fireworks in the middle of the street.

One mum and her nine-year-old daughter were by their car parked near Tesco Express and the Balas Little Mart when a firework was fired towards them.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "My daughter was outside our car at the time.

"It was terrifying, she was very shaken up.

"It was so loud and she has suffered with ringing in her ears since.

"She thought she was going to have a heart attack and that continued until we got to the safety of our home."

The mum explained that there were around 50 to 60 teenagers in the Tesco Express car park.

She said: "I was in shock and terrified for our safety.

"Our incident was not the worst thing to happen on Monday.

"Someone had a firework explode into their car with their children present. The children were running into traffic in panic.

"I called 999 and they told us to leave and said they were sending units to the area.

"My neighbour had a firework aimed directly into her garden which exploded.

"These people were using these fireworks as weapons of terror and I hope the police investigate and make arrests."

Ange, who is on the management team at the Tesco Express, said: "There were a group of youths, all masked up, who came into the store and began stealing sugar and oranges.

"They then stood by the shop's doors and pelted them at customers. It was absolute hell."

The Tesco Express store in Whinfell Way had already locked up its eggs and flours after a similar incident last year.

The 48-year-old continued: "I've been here for three-and-a-half years. In 2021 there were about 70 or 80 kids who were doing a similar thing.

"That is why we put our flour and eggs away but it didn't prevent them from putting our customers in harm's way.

"We decided to shut early but the staff had to remain in the store. The youths were throwing eggs at the windows and kicking at them.

"There must have been about 15 of them. I don't even think they were all from the area. They'd all congregated after the activities were publicised on social media."

Ange also said the youths were letting off fireworks in the Tesco car park, something that they'd also done the year before which resulted in a lorry being hit.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We’re pleased to confirm our Gravesend Riverview Express store is now reopen as usual after a temporary closure yesterday evening.”

One home owner in Whinfell Way had their car damaged on the same night.

He said: "I found my car wing mirror damaged when I decided to move it during the night after hearing about all the horrible things going on in the area.

"I also heard many fireworks being let off down the street so I can only assume it was the same group of youths who damaged my car."

Cllr Aaron Elliott (Con), ward member for Riverview, was out patrolling the streets when the attacks happened.

In a statement he said: "I am sorry I could not have done more to help keep our community safe.

"I was out patrolling our streets, reporting what I could and advising younger kids and some families to head home.

"In the few years I have been doing this I have never witnessed anything as bad as what I witnessed on Halloween.

"While I appreciate the efforts of those boots on the ground, sadly I felt the police response was inadequate and I will be communicating this to our Chief Inspector in the strongest possible terms.

"Planning for next year must happen now – this cannot be allowed to happen again."

Police confirmed they received several reports about a group of young people causing a disturbance.

A spokesman said: "Officers attended the area and a number of people were searched.

"Fireworks were also seized from one young person. Officers instructed the teenagers to leave the area.

"Throughout the evening dedicated officers provided high-visibility patrolling across north Kent to ensure those celebrating Halloween were able to do so safely.

"People witnessed causing anti-social behaviour were dealt with robustly and proportionately."