Police are activating powers to disperse people in Tonbridge town centre, following reports of abusive and anti-social behaviour.

The order will in place for 48 hours, starting at 4pm today.

It comes after concerns around the behaviour of people congregating outside premises in the High Street, close to the junction with Avebury Avenue.

Whist the order is running any person over 10 years of age can be directed to leave the area and not return for a stated period of time if an officer or PCSO has reasonable grounds to suspect that behaviour has contributed, or is likely to contribute, to the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.

Sgt Mark Ginsberg said: "We don’t have a big problem with antisocial behaviour in Tonbridge, however where and when issues do arise these powers are an effective way of dealing with people, whose actions can cause offence or distress to other members of the public.

"Dispersal orders are used for a specific area where anti-social behaviour has been or is likely to be committed. It is an offence to fail to leave when directed, without a reasonable excuse."