Nuisance cyclists out in force over the past month have led police to enforce a dispersal order in one Kent town.

There have been numerous complaints about gangs of youths on bikes riding dangerously across St Mary’s Island, around the Dockside Outlet centre and in nearby car parks throughout July and early August.

Their campaign of mischief has seen cycle in to shops and open car doors in stationary traffic.

In response to the concerns, a dispersal order has been put in place from the shopping centre down to the Asda car park off Pier Road. It will remain in place until tomorrow (Friday).

Police spokesman James Walker said: "The order means any group of two or more people found causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress can be dispersed by a uniformed officer.

"People under 16, who are not accompanied by a responsible adult between 9pm and 6am, can also be taken back to their home."

Sergeant Steve Holpin, from the Medway Community Safety Unit, said: "While we want young people to make the most of the pleasant weather and enjoy riding their bikes, they must do so in a manner that is responsible and considerate to other people.

"Unfortunately some people are choosing to ride in a manner that is a nuisance to the public and risks serious injury.

"Our officers will regularly be patrolling the area covered by the order and anyone observed being a nuisance will have their bike seized.

"Failure to comply with an instruction given by an officer could also lead to an arrest being made."

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