A bunch of teenage yobs were chased by a pub landlord after they spat at his customers and showed off their genitals during a six-hour reign of terror.

Matthew Bryant, the landlord of the Hare and Hounds pub in Lower Boxley Road, Maidstone, called the police after spotting around 20 youngsters cycling around town and shoplifting.

Plastic bottles were thrown at his property on Saturday afternoon before they were seen exposing their backsides and running red lights.

He said: "There were around 14 or 15 kids on bikes ransacking the town for several hours.

"I was buying stamps for a Christmas card for my grandmother and there were around 10 of them doing wheelies and the numbers increased.

"At 5.30pm I had to ring 999 due to criminal damage at my property after plastic bottles were thrown.

"One of my regulars was spat at in the face."

Mr Bryant said police officers were trying to chase the youths all day and he also joined in the hunt for the hoodlums.

He added: "They were getting their genitalia out and pulling moonies.

"When the police turned up I was chasing after them.

"Apparently they were cycling around the one-way system and they were a danger to motorists.

"Apparently they were also going into shops shoplifting and taking things off the shelves."

Detectives have since launched an investigation in an attempt to track down the troublesome teens.

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating reported offences of criminal damage and exposure following a disturbance in Lower Boxley Road, Maidstone.

"It is alleged that at around 5.30pm on Saturday a group of people had gathered outside a pub in the road and that one of them threw objects against the building including a liquid substance. Some of the group are also reported to have exposed themselves to customers who were visiting the pub.

"Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/12112/818. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent, anonymously on 0800 555111."