Yobs are being ordered to leave a large part of Ashford this weekend amid a spike in catapult crime.

Police have enforced a dispersal order covering swathes of streets in the southern area of the town - stretching from Victoria Park to Stanhope.

Until 5pm tomorrow, officers will have the power to direct anyone found causing harassment, alarm or distress to leave.

The offenders will then risk arrest should they return within 24 hours.

Police have secured the order following an increase in crime involving catapults.

In the most recent incident last Friday, rescue cat Trousers was left with a shattered nose and hole in his face after being hit with a ball bearing.

As well as targeting animals, yobs also aim missiles at cars and homes.

It means Ashford holds the unwanted title of being the catapult crime capital of Kent, with figures far above those of other areas in the county.

The dispersal order came into force last night and will run until Sunday at 5pm.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford