Two teenagers have been arrested after a spate of knife-point robberies in the town.

Kent Police received multiple reports of schoolchildren being threatened by two people wearing ski masks and demanding their phones.

The first incident happened near McDonald's in Mill Way, Sittingbourne, last Tuesday, while another was reported a day later at around 5pm in Albany Road.

Police attended the scene on the day and two teenagers, aged 14 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of robbery.

A spokesman added: "The victim’s mobile phone was recovered and officers also seized a knife from one of the suspects.

"This incident is being linked to four other reports, received between Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 January, where other teenagers have reported being approached by two people before being threatened."

Residents in the town were told by local police sergeant Ryan Chase patrols of the area had been increased.

He said: "There have been a number of incidents reported to the police over the last couple of days regarding pupils being approached within Sittingbourne in attempts to steal phones.

"Our officers have been working to investigate these matters and identify those responsible and want to reassure the community that we are taking these matters seriously.

"The Community Safety Unit will be increasing patrolling in light of these recent reports.

"If you see our officers out and about feel free to speak to them about any concerns you may have."

Some schools in the town decided to have assemblies about the worrying incidents.

Fulston Manor School head teacher, Susie Burden, said: "We are aware and we held assemblies and informed tutors to tell students and we told parents and advised students to walk in groups and to be vigilant and remain in well-lit areas and to seek help/return to school site if they were at all worried about anything."

Last week, one frightened Sittingbourne mum explained how her 15-year-old son and his friend were left shaken after being threatened by two people with knives.

Kirsty Pearce, 38, said: “They said they had knives and were trying to take the boys’ phones and chased them into the high street near NatWest.

“It’s every parent’s worst fear and left my son’s friend quite shaken.

“People have got in touch to say they’ve had similar incidents happen to their children."

Police say officers will continue to patrol the area and anyone with concerns can report these online on our website or call 999 in an emergency situation.