A LARGE quantity of alcohol has been taken from a group of youths in a Kent town.

Nearly 50 bottles and cans of lager were seized from a group of seven teenagers in Tovil, near Maidstone, after police received numerous complaints from local residents.

Officers were called out to a natural cave behind the play area in Woodbridge Drive following reports that local youngsters had been gathering there. Seven youths had lit a fire and were consuming alcohol, some being underage.

The teenagers were also creating a lot of noise and the area was littered with empty beer cans and bottles.

Police Community Support Officer Neil Lettington said: "We want the local residents to know that we have been taking their reports seriously and I encourage them to continue to report any further incidents of anti-social behaviour."

PC Gabriel Chandler added: "Any incident involving anti-social behaviour and nuisance gatherings will not be tolerated. Further incidents may result in higher penalties."