A FATHER who took the law into his own hands against a gang of youths terrorising his area ended up spending four hours in a police cell.

Peter Widdish, 63, from Woodcut, Penenden Heath, near Maidstone, performed what he described as "a citizen's arrest" on a teenage boy.

Mr Wildish, a semi-retired gardener, who lives with his wife, Glenis, and 12-year old son, Michael, says the area is plagued by anti-social behaviour.

In recent weeks neighbours have seen eggs thrown through windows, cars vandalised and teenagers having sex in the street.

Mr Wildish was arrested by police and taken to Maidstone Police Station after the teenager, who was also arrested, accused him of assault.

The incident happened on Tuesday night. Mr Wildish was released on police bail shortly after 2am on Wednesday and is now waiting to find out if he will be prosecuted for the alleged offence.

Chief Inspector David Pascoe, of Maidstone and Malling Police, said officers had no choice but to arrest Mr Wildish because of conflicting allegations.

Mr Wildish, who denies hurting the boy, said he was dismayed at the decision to arrest him. He says he is hoping that his experience will focus minds on tackling anti-social problems in his area.

He said: "The farmer Tony Martin was a guy driven to the brink of despair for something which should have resolved long ago. The same is true here.

"We have had dispersal orders and extra police patrols but the problems still go on. Something has got to be done."