A dispersal order has been put in place as police crack down on anti-social and disorderly behaviour in a town centre.

It comes following reports of a rise in this kind of behaviour in Chatham and will last until 2pm on Friday.

While in force, the order will allow police officers to stop anyone they think to be involved in anti-social behaviour and demand they move on. People who ignore their instructions can be arrested.

A Section 60 order has also been approved to let officers search anyone they suspect has been involved in violent crime in the area. It will be in force until 10pm tonight.

Last week, a similar order was enforced in Ashford town centre and in Sittingbourne following a rise in anti-social behaviour.

A dispersal order was implemented across Medway, including Chatham Dockside, after car enthusiasts planned to "descend" onto the Towns, in February.

Medway Council has said it is investigating whether to introduce a Public Space Protection Order to tackle anti-social and illegal driving, following similar action in Dartford and Greenhithe.

The local authority began a public consultation last month to look at the impact of nuisance vehicles, and says further action will be determined after it ends in May.

Specifically, it said there had been recent reports of nuisance motorcycles on green spaces, including on the peninsula and Barnfield Recreation Ground.

In January there were also calls for action to crackdown on the growing rate of anti-social behaviour after a barrage of fireworks were set off in Luton Road, Chatham, on New Year's Eve.

Police have been contacted for further information.