Interim ASBOs have been given out to nine people suspected of terrorising an estate in Ramsgate.

The alleged members of the "Newington Hill Massive" gang appeared before magistrates in Margate on Monday in a civil case brought by Thanet council and supported by Kent Police.

The so-called ringleaders will be subject to interim orders between now and court hearings at the end of January, preventing them from congregating together in groups of three or more, approaching any witnesses in the case, or harassing local people through insulting or offensive behaviour.

They were brought to court after the Thanet Community Safety Partnership obtained CCTV footage and statements from police officers, PCSOs and community wardens.

Jess Bailey, community safety officer, said: "Issuing interim ASBOs should help prevent some of the problems residents on the estate have reported over the past few months until we have the full hearings.

"We're looking at increasing both education and sporting provision as ways of diverting people away from anti-social behaviour in the future - but it's up to them to use these opportunities to change their behaviour."

Court hearings for the nine adults are due to take place between Monday, January 26 and Thursday, January 29.