Shop owners across Medway are being asked to be extra vigilant in the run up to Halloween when selling teenagers eggs and flour.

Although the holiday event can be harmless fun it can cause some residents, particularly the elderly, a great deal of distress.

Medway Trading Standards and Kent Police are once again teaming up to combat the problem of trick and treaters using the messy foodstuffs to either attack people or their properties with eggs and flours during the festive period.

Retailers are being issued with posters and advice during the run up to the holiday on Wednesday, October 31 and asked to use their discretion when selling under-16s the products.

Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Enforcement Cllr Reh Chishti, said: "Halloween should be a time for children to have fun, but a minority of people use the holiday as an excuse to terrorise people living in their community.

Police Community Support Officer Claire Dale, said: "One person's idea of a trick is another's idea of vandalism and those found to be in possession of eggs and flour for use against people or property can expect the police to take appropriate action.

For Trading Standards and community safety information visit www.medway.gov.uk/communitysafety or phone 01634 33333