Police are launching a crackdown designed to prevent violent crimes from taking place across the county.

Kent Police has set up a team to identify and pursue offenders who commit robberies, serious assaults and other major crimes, sometimes with the use of knives or other offensive weapons.

The team will work closely with 'Operation Raptor' which is focused on stopping the distribution of Class A drugs.

As well as searching and arresting people, the officers will try to find young people who might be at risk of getting involved in crime.

They will also be reassuring residents and businesses with uniformed officers in town centres.

Kent Police's Assistant Chief Constable Nick Downing said: "There has been an increase in reports of violence being committed by young people in Kent.

"Kent is a safe place to live, work and visit and we are taking a robust stance against violent crime to ensure it stays that way. We simply will not tolerate these types of offences on our streets and will use every tool at our disposal to bring those responsible to justice.

"We will also work closely with partners, schools and youth groups to educate young people about the considerable risk they may be putting themselves in."