Police have defended the actions of an officer accused of using "excessive force" as he restrained a teenager during a brawl.

The PC was kicked in the groin by a teenage girl as he intervened when he saw a 17-year-old boy being attacked in Chatham High Street.

The officer had been attending a separate incident but was diverted to deal with the row, which broke out near Debenhams just before 9pm on Saturday.

As he attempted to break it up, another youth obstructed him and a girl kicked him in the groin.

A 15-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of affray and resisting a constable and later released on bail until July 15.

A video has since been released online of the incident and people have raised concerns about the police officer's use of force.

But Chief Inspector Anthony Henley said: "I have personally reviewed the incident and am satisfied that my officers acted professionally and proportionately in the face of such threatening and abusive behaviour.

"There have been a number of reports of anti-social behaviour caused by groups of young people in that part of Chatham High Street.

"Such behaviour will not be tolerated and ordinary, law-abiding members of the public have the right to feel safe when they’re out and about."

In the video, which is peppered with expletive language, the officer can be seen asking for the group to pass him his handcuffs which had fallen as he was trying to restrain her.

The group refuse with one member suggesting they kick them under the car.

Two officers can also be seen asking a young man to calm down.

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested for resisting and obstructing a constable and is currently in police custody.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested but later released without charge due to insufficient evidence.