A teenager aged just 13 was arrested for possessing a knuckle duster, following a crackdown in Tunbridge Wells, which also saw multiple drug and weapon searches.

They were just one of the young people stopped by police over two days, after a dispersal order was made in the town centre, following complaints of anti-social behaviour.

The order means any group of two or more people found causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress can be asked to leave by a uniformed officer.

People under 16, who are not accompanied by a responsible adult between 9pm and 6am, can also be taken back to their homes where appropriate.

The order took effect from on Friday of last week, at 4pm, and ended on Sunday.

On eight occasions, people were given the order to leave the area and not return for 24 hours.

Some 11 searches took place in relation to drug and offensive weapons, while two people were arrested for public order offences.

Four bicycles were also seized, when people were seen cycling dangerously in a public area.

One person under 17 was also found to be causing a nuisance and taken back to their parents.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “Many locals and residents came up to the officers and thanked them for their hard work. If these issues persist and we receive further complaints then we can do the dispersal order again.”

The order was implemented after reports of disorder, criminal damage, abusive language and dangerous cycling in retail areas, parks and other public spaces.

District commander for Tunbridge Wells, Ch Insp, Peter Steenhuis said: "Our community policing team regularly patrol the town centre and are aware of recent reports of anti-social behaviour.

"Over the weekend our officers engaged with a number of people, including those congregating on bicycles.

"We are fortunate to have a vibrant town centre attracting many people to the area and we want everyone to be able to enjoy Tunbridge Wells and what it has to offer. We remain dedicated to targetting the small minority of people who persist in causing a problem and behave inappropriately."

To get the latest updates on ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells