Police were called to a town centre Greggs after reports teenagers using water guns were causing mayhem.

Youths were said to be causing a nuisance in Sittingbourne High Street, which was affecting trade at the bakery.

The force said the incident, last Thursday (June 22) was the latest in a rise in anti-social use of the toys.

It said on other occasions “high-powered water guns” were being used to imitate real weapons, distressing passers-by.

It comes just weeks after armed police and a helicopter were scrambled to Maidstone town centre after reports of people with weapons, which turned out to be teenage girls with water pistols.

Sgt Ryan Chase, of the Swale Community Safety Unit, said: “We appreciate that the longer, hotter days and approaching summer holidays may see people engaging in water fights to cool off and have fun.

“Anyone choosing to use water guns should ensure that they are not intentionally, or unintentionally, causing alarm or upset to others.

“It is a criminal offence to cause public distress with imitation firearms, so water guns resembling viable weapons must only be used on private property and not in the public domain.

“If needs be, dispersal orders will be put in place to give officers more power to tackle anti-social behaviour and move groups on who continue to cause a nuisance.”

Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour can report it online, via 999 or anonymously on 0800 555111.