A 12-year-old boy was arrested, a group of 40 youths dispersed from a railway station and fireworks were seized by police on Halloween.

Officers were deployed across Kent following fears of anti-social behaviour during the evening.

In Broadstairs, patrols were alerted after reports that teenagers were throwing eggs in the Memorial Recreation Ground and on the High Street.

Vehicles and houses nearby were also reportedly targeted.

Officers attended and inquiries led to the implementation of a 48-hour dispersal order, which covered the town centre and seafront areas.

This grants police additional powers to move on anyone causing a nuisance in a certain place and, if necessary, arrest them should they later return.

At about 8.30pm, a 12-year-old boy was initially arrested following damage to a police vehicle on the High Street.

He was taken home and spoken to in the presence of his parents.

The boy was also issued with a community resolution after agreeing to stay at home and take steps to address his behaviour.

Several other teenagers were moved on after reportedly causing a nuisance in the town centre, while additional patrols remained in the area to provide reassurance.

Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said: “The vast majority of people enjoying the Halloween weekend in Broadstairs wanted to do so responsibly and respectfully, but when a very small minority is intent on causing disruption, it is important to act swiftly and robustly.

“Whilst we can’t say conclusively what might have happened had the dispersal order not been in place, I am convinced that prompt action by my officers helped to ensure a safer and more enjoyable Halloween for all.”

Elsewhere in the county, patrols were ramped up to prevent any further incidents in Kings Hill and Snodland after youths caused “absolute mayhem” last year.

More than 20 special constables joined an inspector, sergeants and patrol officers across the towns.

Last Halloween, residents in Kings Hill claimed that between 80 and 100 young people were smashing things up, throwing eggs at families, stealing decorations and hurling pumpkins at front doors.

Over in Snodland, a dispersal order was issued during prime trick-or-treating hours after police reported an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Leading up to this year’s event, MP for Maidstone and Malling, Helen Grant, posted an update on Facebook.

She said: “Officers have also been visiting local schools to promote responsible behaviour, while supermarkets are working with police to prevent the sale of eggs and other items to underage customers.

“Kent Police are also teaming up with Kings Hill security and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s ASB officers to boost visibility and ensure a swift response to any incidents.”

Covert and overt operations, as well as volunteers from the Special Constabulary, were deployed in potential hotspots in both Snodland and Kings Hill this year.

They seized fireworks, nitrous oxide cannisters and eggs from teenagers and dispersed anyone causing a nuisance to others.

Det Insp Zara McAiney said: “Throughout the evening, our officers responded to a relatively small number of calls.

“These were mainly linked to concerns around fireworks and young people throwing eggs; however, the overall level of reported incidents or concerns linked to anti-social behaviour was considerably lower than in previous years.

“When our officers did need to act, dispersal powers were promptly used to ensure people left the area, and this included preventing a group of around 40 young people from entering Kings Hill after they had arrived by train at West Malling railway station.

“Preventative measures also included the use of stop and search powers, which saw 12 people searched and led to the confiscation of a box of fireworks.

“Preparations for seasonal events like Halloween are greatly assisted by the help we receive from our partners, such as local councils and businesses, and the encouraging results from this year will also enable us to plan more effectively for the future in addressing concerns raised by residents and local shops.”