More than 200 people were moved on and cannabis was seized while a dispersal order was in place in a town centre.

The order started at 4pm yesterday following complaints made about drunkenness and abusive behaviour in Tunbridge Wells, and remained in force until 4am today.

The order included areas within The Pantiles, the Common, Calverley Park, Royal Victoria Place, and the Corn Exchange.

While a dispersal order is in place, anybody over the age of 10 who is acting in an antisocial or disorderly way can be asked to leave the area for a specified time by either a police officer or a PCSO.

It is an offence to fail to leave when directed, without a reasonable excuse.

Chief Inspector Chris Mayers said: "This order allowed my officers to focus on disorderly behaviour reported in the town's public spaces, particularly on Thursday evenings.

"My officers required over 200 people, many of whom were from outside the town, to leave the area and seized more than 50 bottles and glasses of alcohol, and a quantity of cannabis.

"We will continue to work with partner agencies to tackle these issues and anybody intending to visit the parks and public spaces of Tunbridge Wells to act in a disorderly manner can expect similar dispersal tactics in the future."