A police crackdown in Maidstone during the weekend saw more than 200 people searched and many arrests for drugs and weapons offences.

Patrols were stepped up in the town centre after reports of assaults, thefts, and disorder.

A dispersal order was put in place in the town from Friday until Sunday, which authorised officers to search people in the area for offensive weapons.

Some 210 people were searched in the town centre and 17 suspects were arrested for offences including possession of a knife, possession of a knuckle duster, using threatening words or behaviour, possession of drugs, and being drunk and disorderly.

Meanwhile, 11 people were ordered to leave the area and not return for 24 hours. One person who failed to comply with this was arrested.

District commander for Maidstone, Ch Insp Ray Quiller, said: "Following complaints about groups of people fighting, committing crime and causing a nuisance in our town centre, we instigated two dispersal orders over the weekend.

"Our community policing team and other officers patrolled the area engaging with residents and visitors who were enjoying the restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

"The majority of people they met were pleased to see patrols dealing with anti-social behaviour and tackling individuals or groups intent on committing crime."

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