People are being "terrorised" by young gangs hurling eggs at passers-by, spitting and kicking at front doors, and breaking into private property.

Recent weeks have seen a reported spike in anti-social behaviour in Whitstable, with a number of residents warning of teenagers wreaking havoc.

In one of the latest incidents, people living in Island Wall called 999 to report a group of about 10 aggressive teens trying to overturn a car.

Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Lucy Boutwood said: “They threw a bottle at a passing car, and as they progressed up the road they attempted for some time to overturn a car parked on the edge of a very steep slope, screaming and shouting as they did so.

“We have suffered on many occasions with anti-social behaviour, but in general it is not too intimidating.

"This incident was frighteningly different in tone.

“We called 999, as did other neighbours. We kept the police informed of their movements in the hope they would send officers in time to apprehend them.”

But Ms Boutwood says she was disappointed by the response - echoing old concerns over a lack of police presence in the town.

“Despite the numerous telephone calls and clear information, we did not see any response from the police,” she said.

“While we are all aware of the lack of police resources - and realise our call was hardly reporting the crime of the century - it could have been far more sinister if this incident had escalated.

“What does it take to have a police presence now - a fatality?

"My neighbour in her late 20s came home from work and pulled into the driveway when about 15 of them surrounded her car and tried to open the doors while she was still inside" - Natalie French

“It is not in the least reassuring that, even when under attack - and that is how it felt - the police are ignoring pleas for help.

“We have since contacted police for clarity as to their actions on the night in question.

"No officers or patrol car attended, and they are still 'investigating'. The time for 'investigation' has passed. We feel very let down.”

The anti-social behaviour comes after a string of similar episodes.

Last month, pedestrians in Whitstable and Tankerton were pelted with eggs thrown by young people travelling in a moving car.

One victim said: “I got hit in the back and was pretty badly bruised. It’s very painful being hit at 30mph by anything - it felt like stones.

"People have said they were just messing around, but this didn’t feel like that - they were shouting 'get her in the face'.”

On January 29, police were called to reports a group of teenagers were acting anti-socially in the Forge Lane area.

“My partner asked them to stop spitting at our elderly neighbour’s door and was greeted with verbal abuse,” said one resident, who took to Facebook to warn others.

“They then returned an hour later and started kicking our front door.”

The day before, youngsters reportedly broke into a communal area in a block of four flats in Westmeads Road.

Natalie French, 28, who lives in the building, said: “We’re used to young people hanging around in the car port, smoking weed, leaving litter behind.

"They used to move on when we asked them to, but now they argue back - they’re much more brazen and aggressive.

“My neighbour in her late 20s came home from work and pulled into the driveway when about 15 of them surrounded her car and tried to open the doors while she was still inside.

"She was terrified, and had to drive back out to get away.”

Ms French posted CCTV footage to Facebook showing the young people running through the block’s communal spaces.

“I had so many messages in my inbox from people who said they knew who the people were so I passed the names onto police,” she said.

"We are continuing to engage with young people in the area and our PCSOs have already spoken to a number of individuals and their parents regarding the issues" - Nick Barton

“Days later, people came to the car port and stole the CCTV camera.”

Police say they are aware of recent concerns about anti-social behaviour in Whitstable.

A spokesman said: “It was reported that on Monday 28 January at around 6pm a group of young people were congregating in the communal area of private flats in Westmeads Road and acting in an anti-social manner.

“On Friday 8 February at around 8pm a large group of young people reportedly threatened a woman as she walked to her car in Church Street.”

Sergeant Nick Barton from the Community Safety Unit said: “We are continuing to engage with young people in the area and our PCSOs have already spoken to a number of individuals and their parents regarding the issues.

“While anti-social behaviour is usually caused by a minority we do understand the effect it can have on a community.

“Residents who witness anti-social behaviour should call Kent Police to report specific incidents straight away.

"We will then work with our partner agencies to ensure those people responsible are identified and dealt with in a way that will positively impact their behaviour and prevent further issues from arising."