Police have had to use pepper spray to break up a gang of fighting youths in Broadstairs town centre on the opening night of Folk Week.

Around 20 teenagers were said to have been "acting aggressively" in the High Street when officers were called to the disturbance shortly after midnight today.

Now police chiefs have pledged "a very robust approach" to any anti-social behaviour which threatens to spoil the family event.

Acting Superintendent Ken Elmes from Kent Police said: "In order to ensure public safety, officers deployed Pava spray which separated the parties involved. The matter was brought to a swift conclusion.

"None of the parties involved reported any offences at the time and no arrests were made.

"However officers will continue to make inquiries including reviewing available CCTV.

"We would like to reassure the community that officers will be present, although not always entirely visible, to ensure that the event remains a family one.

"On the rare occasion someone attends intent on disturbing the event we will take a very robust approach."