Police seized a knife after a disturbance erupted at a McDonald’s restaurant involving a group of youths.

Officers from the district’s Neighbourhood Task Force attended the fast food outlet at Minster near Ramsgate yesterday afternoon following complaints about behaviour.

A group of teenagers were searched and a knife is said to have been found in the possession of a 16-year-old girl who was arrested and later bailed pending inquiries.

Three others were taken home and spoken to in front of their parents about the impact of their behaviour.

Inspector Jim Woodward, of the Thanet Community Safety Unit, says officers are determined to tackle anti-social behaviour to protect businesses, their staff and the residents who use them.

'I would urge any young person considering carrying a knife to think again. It can lead to you being arrested, charged or, worse still, suffering serious or fatal injuries,“ he said.

“I also ask parents to speak to their children about where they are going and what they are doing, to help us tackle issues of this kind.”

Recently, the village has suffered a spate of crime and anti-social behaviour, including cars being broken into and eggs thrown at houses.

Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action, a national week of activity to highlight the positive impact that neighbourhood policing has on communities throughout the year, began on Monday.