Police say they are responding to a large gathering on a Kent beach.

Officers were called to Greatstone beach, near New Romney, shortly before midday.

Several coaches are reported to have been spotted pulling up outside The Jolly Fisherman in Coach Drive and offloading passengers.

Patrols are taking place and a helicopter could be seen circling the area.

New Romney resident Kate Ovenden, said she was walking through the area earlier and estimated there to be around 100 people in total.

She said they seemed friendly and were happy to speak to her with some even offering for her to join.

"It's just family and friends getting together to have a day out cooking jerk chicken that's it," she added.

Today's gathering comes just a couple of weeks after police were sent to break up a 'beach cookout' on the same beach which got out of hand after it attracted hundreds of people and became violent.

The huge event saw four officers injured including one being hit by a car .

The event was originally planned to be held at nearby Camber in East Sussex but the plan was blocked by Sussex police.

Following the event near New Romney residents spoke of how they discovered human waste in carrier bags and bottles of urine lying in the street.

It prompted Kent Police to increase patrols in the area and in Leysdown after another gathering was planned there, sparking fears of a repeat of an incident which led to the stabbing of two men in June .

Folkestone and Hythe District Council posted on social media today: "Kent Police has supported us in issuing a Community Protection Warning to the organiser of today’s event.

"This means – amongst other things – that they cannot promote, encourage or organise any future gatherings in the district without obtaining prior written approval.

"We also told attendees that they should take all waste with them and any rubbish put next to waste bins will be deemed as fly-tipping and further action will be taken.

"There have been no reports of anti-social behaviour and attendees have now left the site.

"Reports suggest the beach is clear but our crews will attend to ensure this is the case."

The force is encouraging anyone who believes an event is being organised in their local area to report it as soon as possible.

In response to today's event a spokesman for Kent Police said: "Kent Police was made aware of a large group of people gathering on Greatstone beach at 11.41am on August 30.

"Officers are in the area and are reminding those attending of the latest government advice around social distancing and encouraging them to adhere to it."

New coronavirus laws introduced on Friday mean anyone found to have organised or facilitated a gathering of more than 30 people could be liable to a £10,000 fine.

Members of the public who attend also risk a £100 fine, which can double for each incident up to a total of £3,200.

Extra patrols have been set up over the Bank Holiday weekend to allay fears and clampdown on illegal events.

Assistant Chief Constable Nicola Faulconbridge said: "While the vast majority of people in Kent are continuing to adhere to the existing lockdown restrictions, it is very disappointing that some are continuing to take unnecessary risks by organising and attending mass gatherings.

"Covid-19 has not gone away and continues to pose a serious risk to public health, not only for those who attend such gatherings but for everyone else they come into contact with after the event has finished.

"This may include elderly members of their own family, or other friends and relatives who may also be vulnerable to becoming seriously ill."

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh