Brawling teens turned a town centre into a "war zone" last night as trouble disrupted the first fireworks display of the summer sparking a huge police response.

Officers were called after a large group of youngsters were seen fighting near the harbour in Broadstairs.

A shop owner has described the chaos as about 20 police officers descended on the town to break up the fighting - leading to two teenage girls from Ramsgate and Herne Bay being arrested.

Stephen Howe, who has run the Present Company in the town for 20 years, said: "I couldn't see how many kids there were. There must have been at least 15 to 20 police on the ground plus seven cars with blues and twos and two or three vans.

"It was almost like a war zone but very well handled by the police.

"I don't know what the incident was but it's a continuing situation and every firework night. It's beyond a joke.

"The firework nights attract a larger percentage of troublemakers without a doubt.

"We would like to open in the evenings but we've got morons in the street.

"It's the mentality of them. People would sit on cars or lean on them. A lady asked them to move and she just got abused."

Mr Howe says he's had enough of the issues on fireworks night and believes the events should stop - a view shared by others discussing the incident on social media.

He fears visitors may be put off visiting the town unless the violence is cut out.

But organisers say the remaining three events planned throughout July and August would be put in jeopardy if more police presence is demanded.

Broadstairs Summer Fireworks Committee member Simon Abra says it is "very unfortunate" events from a "minority of drunk teenage yobs" are forcing them to review whether the other events will go ahead.

"We are consulting with the police as to what security measures will be required to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy these popular family traditional evenings.

'If the police recommend that we need a high level of security and paid police presence it is very unlikely that we will be able to fund the requirements,' fireworks organiser, Simon Abra

"It is such a shame that once again in our society generally, that completely unacceptable alcohol fuelled behaviour by a minority of out of control mindless yobs is jeopardising the enjoyment of the majority.

"If the police recommend that we need a high level of security and paid police presence it is very unlikely that we will be able to fund the requirements and sadly we would have to make the disappointing and sad decision to cancel the planned summer displays."

The other areas of the fireworks including activities on the bandstand and around Victoria Gardens went on without any trouble with families enjoying music, entertainment and the fireworks.

The actions have also been condemned by Broadstairs councillor Ruth Bailey who slammed the "mindless" acts describing it as the worst trouble she'd seen at the popular event in 12 years.

Cllr Bailey said: "These summer firework events take a great deal of organisation by a small committee and are supported by the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, as well as public donations.

"Again we have a case of a popular event being put on, for both the local community and tourists, being spoilt by a mindless element bent on causing trouble.

"I applaud the quick police response and am pleased to see from online comments that, despite this trouble, the vast majority of people enjoyed the evening of music on the bandstand and the wonderful firework display."

The fireworks display over Viking Bay went ahead as planned at 9.45pm along with live music and fun fair rides planned by the organisers earlier in the evening.

The town hosts four firework displays on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer which is run by a committee of volunteers.

Despite the fracas, Mr Howe believes the incident was dealt with "very, very well" by police who had "worked out how to deal with them".

Police and organisers have been contacted for more information.

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