A reign of antisocial behaviour, including threats and harassment to neighbours, has forced police to use special powers to shut a flat and get the tenants evicted.

The property in Murston, Sittingbourne, has been issued with a closure order, banning anyone from entering for three months, following a lengthy period of complaints, including intimidating families with young children.

Residents have also had to endure loud music, swearing, multiple bonfires and "vile verbal abuse", say police.

The order makes it an offence for anyone to enter the property during this time.

Penalties for breaching the order include a fine and up to 51 weeks in prison.

Officers ensured the housing association-owned home in Oak Road was vacated by its residents and have secured it against any unauthorised entry.

A sign has been placed on the door with a warning that it is an offence to enter.

'These types of issues can make people’s lives a misery and have a devastating and corrosive impact on the local community...'

PC Jamie Spencer, of the Swale Community Safety Unit, said: "We have received repeated calls and concerns about this address over the past 18 months.

"Residents who live in the road, including families with young children, have endured persistent antisocial behaviour, including intimidation, threats and vile verbal abuse.

"There have also been frequent complaints around loud music, swearing and multiple bonfires.

"The property has been visited by officers on several occasions and prior to the order being made the tenants were given warnings and made subject to strict conditions to address their abhorrent behaviour.

"Ultimately, they have now been evicted after choosing to ignore these warnings.

"These types of issues can make people’s lives a misery and have a devastating and corrosive impact on the local community.

"I hope that the work undertaken to secure this order, in partnership with Optivo housing association, will help reassure residents that such behaviour will not be tolerated."

Police applied for the order at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court, using powers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It applies from August 26 until November 25.