There will be an increased number patrols in Maidstone this weekend.

Kent Police has decided to up officer presence after several reports of groups of young people involved in thefts and assaults in the town centre.

In one incident, it was reported suspects may have been in possession of a knife and a baseball bat.

In response to concerns from residents and businesses, a dispersal order has been issued.

It will remain in place until 8.45pm on Saturday in the town centre.

This means any group of two or more people found causing, or likely to cause, harrassment, alarm or distress can be made to leave the area by a uniformed officer.

Officers have also been authorised to stop and search people in the area for offensive weapons.

District Commander for Maidstone, Ch Insp Ray Quiller said: "We have received several complaints about disorderly behaviour in the town centre, and officers have attended a number of reported fights and thefts.

"We encourage young people to visit the town and socialise with friends but a minority have chosen to misbehave and in some cases commit crime.

"Our community policing team will be patrolling the area on foot to prevent disorder and ensure those intent on committing offences are swiftly identified.

"I would advise anybody thinking of carrying an offensive weapon in the town to think again. They will be stopped, searched and arrested. Anybody we see involved in anti-social behaviour will be required to leave the area."

The news comes a week after a dispersal order was made in Tunbridge Wells, following complaints of vandalism and abusive language.

Over the last few months, officers have often set up a knife bar in Brenchley Gardens, Maidstone, in the hope of catching anyone catching a weapon.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.