Three arrests have been made and a hammer seized as part of a police clampdown on suspected drug activity in a park.

Several people were dispersed from Pierremont Park after a 48-hour dispersal order was put in place in Broadstairs.

It came into effect at 3pm yesterday and follows concerns from residents about groups causing disturbances in the area over the last week.

The order, which covers Broadway, Lindenthrope Road, Stone Road, the beach, Ramsgate Road and the Vale, gives police and community support officers additional powers to direct anyone found acting anti-socially to leave the area or face arrest.

Two people found with gas cannisters were dispersed early yesterday evening.

Then at around 9.30pm officers patrolling the park saw a group of people who were believed to be smoking cannabis.

A search was carried out and a claw hammer and a quantity of cannabis was seized.

Officers arrested a 19-year-old man from Broadstairs on suspicion of possessing Class B drugs and possession of an offensive weapon and he was taken into custody.

Three boys, aged 15, 16 and 17, were all dispersed from the area by officers and warned not to return.

Also during the evening, officers seized edible drugs, wraps of suspected Class A drugs, and cannabis and grinders.

A 26-year-old man from Broadstairs and a 29-year-old man of no fixed address were both arrested on suspicion of drugs offences. They were taken into custody while enquiries continue.

Sergeant Jim Woodward, from the Thanet community safety unit said: "Anyone causing disturbances, using abusive language towards members of the public or committing drug-related criminality can expect our officers to take action against them.

"While it is normally a minority responsible for anti-social behaviour, nevertheless it is not acceptable, and public areas in Thanet, such as parks, are there for all to enjoy responsibly, safely and without fear.

"Those who are found to be causing disorder will be dealt with robustly."