An arts and crafts store has been forced to hire security after a group of yobs started terrorising staff and shoppers.

The gang of children have been swarming Hobbycraft at St Peter's Wharf shopping park in Maidstone in the evenings and abusing people.

Members of staff had to slam the front doors closed and hold them shut while customers were still inside on one occasion, in a bid to stop the youngsters running in, causing damage and making a mess.

One member of staff, who didn't want to be named, said: "It's been getting worse over the past few weeks.

"They'll come in and make a mess or chuck paint around and shout at staff.

"We've got a new security guard but he finishes at 7pm so there's an hour where we don't have him. It's absolutely horrible."

One customer witnessed the group of youngsters storm the shop at around 7.30pm one weekday.

"They were messing about in one of the aisles, picking up stock and chucking it about before a manager came over.

"She told them to leave but was threatened by one of the girls who must have only been about 15.

"The young girl called the staff member a 'silly ****' before adding 'what are you going to do?'

"They eventually left but staff had to hold the doors shut so they didn't get back in and I was left waiting until there was only a couple outside making some noise.

"I feel sorry for the staff who have to put up with that abuse. The majority of them are older people, so it must be really intimidating."

The retail park is also home to Asda Living, Home Sense, TK Maxx and The Range.

A member of staff from The Range, who also didn't want to be named, confirmed the youngsters have been causing chaos around the shopping park, but seem to be targeting Hobbycraft.

She said: "They've been running in there with silly string and all sorts causing havoc.

"They're absolute terrors. They'll run around the car park with trolleys and really target Hobbycraft.

"Nine out of 10 times they come here and don't act up, but I think it's because we have security wandering around all the time.

"But when they go to Hobbycraft they get up to all sorts."

Hobbycraft declined to comment on the matter, but confirmed police were not informed.

Nearby Asda said it was aware of the problem, but their store hadn't reported any problems with the youngsters.