A shop banned children from the premises for a day in protest about poor behaviour and criminal activity.

Bosses at the One Stop on Sonora Fields, Sittingbourne, made the decision after a number of incidents, reportedly involving children from Westlands School.

This move came after a member of staff was attacked and some youngsters were caught stealing from the shop, with police called just before 6pm on Wednesday, June 27.

A police spokesman said a woman had been assaulted and items stolen. The group had gone before police arrived and CCTV is being reviewed.

But the decision shocked some, with complaints about all children being blamed for the actions of a few.

One woman’s 12-year-old daughter was turned away one morning when she went in to buy a wrap and a drink for lunch.

The mother, who has lived on Sonora Fields for four years, said: “For some time One Stop has been limiting children in uniform entering their premises because of thefts, and I completely understood. They have problems from the same group of children.

“My daughter phoned me. She was a bit stressed as she didn’t have water for school.

“There was a big sign on the door saying ‘no children in the shop without being accompanied by an adult’.

“Apparently a member of staff was attacked by a student as she tried to remove them from the shop.

“It has all been blown out of proportion, because of a small group.”

She complained to One Stop head office, and was left angry by the response.

It said: “The store advised pupils from Westlands School are not welcome as there have been issues with pupils and their behaviour. “We are not singling out your daughter, however we do have to look at the behaviour of all of the pupils with regard to the impact on other customers and our colleagues.”

But just 24 hours after the alleged assault, the ban was lifted.

The store and Westlands School were approached for comment.