A teenager who armed himself with a ball bearing pistol after trouble broke out on an Ashford estate has been sentenced to 16 months youth custody.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how youths were fighting with weapons at Bockhanger Square, Kennington, on February 28.

Jo Cope, prosecuting, said two men suffered head injuries but were not willing to give any details of what happened.

Max Dudley told police there had been an incident but would not say any more, adding they did not need to know.

Mrs Cope said youths were told to leave the area but they were determined to continue fighting. Weapons including knuckle dusters, pieces of wood and a metal bar were recovered.

When searched Dudley, 18, had a silver handgun in the waistband of his trousers.

"The officer believed it was real," said the prosecutor. "He feared for his safety."

Dudley said it was a gas BB gun he had bought for shooting rabbits. He had been drinking and when more youths turned up he went home and fetched the pistol.

He added he would have "stuck the gun in someone’s face to scare them".

Dudley, of Rylands Road, Kennington, admitted possessing an imitation firearm to cause fear of violence.

Richard Debanzie, defending, said the youth had not brandished the gun or threatened anyone with it.