Reports of a woman slapping an abusive teenager in the face, knocking her off her feet, have received a mixed reaction.

The alleged assault, said to have happened in Herne Bay High Street on Friday evening, reportedly saw a woman spring out of her car and set-about one member of a group of youths who were hurling abuse.

It comes after Kent Police enforced a dispersal order in the town earlier this year, after receiving numerous reports of rowdy behaviour in a number of streets and seafront areas.

The recent stand-off apparently unfolded when about 20 youths blocked the High Street.

When the driver of a Volkswagen beeped at them to move, she received threats, according to one witness.

Posting on the Herne Bay Chatter group on Facebook, eye-witness Mark Simon said: “They were blocking traffic in the high street by walking in the road and generally being stupid.

However, a woman in a Volkswagen beeped her horn to move them out of the way and received a huge amount of abuse and threats.

“To this the woman jumped out of the car and walked up to a girl in the group who was using the foulest of language and making the most fearsome threats.

“Without the slightest hesitation the woman slapped the girl so hard around the face, the girl was knocked off her feet.

“All that were there fell silent, that is except for me who gave a big round of applause.”

He then goes on to praise the woman’s actions.

The post received more than 600 reactions and 85 comments both in favour and against the alleged assault.

Facebook user Michael Goldfinch weighed into the debate by saying if young people can “dish things out” they should expect “whatever comes back at them.”

Others believe it is the parent’s responsibility to curb their child’s antisocial behaviour, while some people called for a stronger police presence.

Abbie Olive Jones said: “That is assault on a minor.

"No, I don't agree (with the girl’s abuse), but what right do you have to put your hands on another person’s child?"

Sarah King added: “I encountered some of these youths in the town in the week and I was literally terrified by them.

“(They were) very intimidating.”

Kent Police has been approached for comment.