Twenty yobs were kicked out of a town centre over the weekend as part of a police crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Crime-hit Ramsgate was the subject of a 48-hour dispersal order which gave officers powers to immediately move on those causing a nuisance.

If they returned while the order was active, they ran the risk of then being arrested.

After coming into force on Friday at 6pm, a total of 20 people were booted out of the area by police.

The targeted approach was in response to concerns from fed-up residents over drug-taking, criminal damage and the misuse of alcohol in recent weeks.

Thanet district commander Chief Insp Rhiannan Pepper says the force will not tolerate intimidating behaviour in Ramsgate.

"During current Covid restrictions, people should not be out gathering in groups as they pose not only a risk to themselves, but others too," she said.

"Regardless of lockdown rules, it is not acceptable that residents and businesses in Ramsgate should put up with feeling intimidated by those behaving anti-socially.

"Fortunately it is a small minority who are responsible for such behaviour but we will not tolerate it.

"We will be monitoring the situation over the coming weeks and ask that anyone who witnesses any act of anti-social behaviour, report it so we can take appropriate action."

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