Yobs have been spotted "risking their lives" hanging off railings and firing catapults at a crime-hit multi-storey car park.

Police were called to Edinburgh Road car park in Ashford on consecutive days last week following reports of anti-social behaviour.

It is reported the vandals were hanging over the edge of the railings and climbing onto restricted ledges, risking their safety.

DI Simon Johnson, of the Ashford community safety unit, said: "We were called to Edinburgh Road car park on Monday afternoon following concerns for the safety of a group of young people.

"The group were given words of advice by attending officers.

"We also attended the location the following day after a group of boys were seen with a catapult.

"As a result, a catapult was seized and the parents of the boys were spoken to.

"We understand the impact of anti-social behaviour on residents and officers will respond and take action against those responsible.

"We are working with partner agencies to make children aware of the potential consequences of their actions and suggest alternative activities for them.

"I urge parents to ensure their children are safe during the school holidays and not behaving in a way which impacts others."

Another witness reported seeing youths spitting off the top of the multi-storey, which only reopened in December after concrete fell in on the second storey during last summer's heatwave.

In a post on Facebook, Neighbourhood Watch volunteer Peter New urged people not to turn a blind eye to the behaviour.

"These foolish individuals could fall to their deaths or suffer life-changing injuries," he said.

"These youths drop missiles or fire catapults and if someone is hit they suffer serious injuries.

"They will be heading to court and the outcomes could ruin their lives.

"This has to stop now."

The news has not come as a surprise to business owners in nearby Park Mall who say this kind of behaviour is becoming all too common.

Kati Ramsden, owner of Bare Bazaar, said: "I have heard of people hanging around in the stairwells.

"I feel for the kids because there isn't much to do but at the same time wrecking things is not the answer.

"It makes you feel vulnerable, and it lowers the tone and puts people off coming to town."

After hearing about the latest incidents, Vince Monticelli at The Record Store feels it is time to have security patrolling the car park.

"People throw things off the top," he said.

"They are not thinking of the consequences, sometimes people get hurt when you do stupid things.

"There needs to be security up there full-time."

As part of the Ashford UNFRAMED trail, a mural by artist Mr Doodle currently features on the side of the car park above the lifts.