Police have been forced to lay down a dispersal order in a town centre after reports children were attacked and left fearing for their lives.

The enforcement zone encompasses Herne Bay’s Memorial Park after teenagers are said to have targeted two youngsters on Monday evening.

Police say extra officers will patrol the area – where threats with knives have also occurred – while investigations into the alleged assault continue.

The victims’ mum says schoolgirls drew up to her terrified children, then punched and kicked them, forcing them to flee inside a chicken shop.

She said the brother and sister were on their way to a youth club in Memorial Park when teenage school girls ‘jumped’ them.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told KentOnline her son, 16, and daughter, 13, are now afraid to walk around town.

“He got punched in the head and she she got kicked in the ribs and pulled by the hair then there were literally girls punching her in the head while she was on the floor,” she says.

“They were scared for their lives because head injuries can be really serious, but luckily they were able to escape to a chicken shop and my mother-in-law went to pick them up.

“It’s not safe for kids to go out there.

“My son and daughter got gang-jumped by a bunch of girls last night (Monday).”

The attack which unfolded at about 6.40pm left the children shaken when they returned home but not seriously injured.

It comes following reports of threats involving knives in the park, police say.

The boundary of the dispersal area is drawn by Canterbury Road from the junction with Thanet Way down to Central Parade, along Central Parade to Central Avenue, up Central Avenue to Cobblers Bridge Road, into Eddington.

The order, made by Kent Police, states that until 3pm on February 29, anyone “found acting or likely to cause harassment alarm or distress can be directed to leave the designated area and not return within 24 hours. Failure to leave can result in arrest.”

Posting about the order on My Community Voice, Canterbury neighbourhood beat officer PC Hoffmeister, said: “A Dispersal Area has been authorised in Herne Bay between 3pm today (Tuesday) and 3pm on Thursday after reports of disturbances around the area of the Memorial Park yesterday afternoon and evening.”

A police spokesman said: “Local officers are aware of the incident and are in contact with the victim, while enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing including reviewing CCTV and doorbell footage.

“There will also be an increased police presence in the Memorial Park area.

“Anyone with information who has not yet spoken to Kent Police is urged to come forward, quoting reference 26-1530.”