A security guard has been cleared of assault following an incident at a town centre McDonald's in which a group of girls abused staff and customers.

Police were called to the fast-food chain in Week Street, Maidstone, following reports of a disturbance involving around eight teenagers.

But now the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has thrown the case against the 30-year-old out – even before he had entered his pleas.

Londoner Muhammed Yusuf Usman had been charged with assault with intent to resist and assaulting an emergency worker.

But prosecutor Ben Wild told Maidstone Crown Court that after a review of bodyworn footage of the September 11 incident the CPS has decided to discontinue the prosecution.

Mr Usman wasn't present to hear the decision but Mr Wild revealed the CPS had written to him saying the case was being dropped.

Judge Philip St John Stevens said: "This is now formerly discontinued and that's an end of the matter."

Footage from the incident showed the girls swearing and shouting at McDonald's staff and customers who blocked them from coming into the restaurant after they had been kicked out.