Fast food restaurant workers, bar staff and taxi drivers are being trained to spot signs of child sexual exploitation as part of a crime crackdown.

McDonald’s employees will embark on workshops to be able to spot the signs of abuse.

Ali El Hajj, franchisee of the food giant in Maidstone, suggested an influx of gangs has contributed to an increase in children becoming victims to horrific crimes.

He said: “I had a meeting with Maidstone council and we agreed we would work together.

“Our stores get a lot of teenagers and we want to be able to be there for them in case we observe any unusual behaviour or any gangs hovering around these youngsters.”

The council is working alongside police and the Kent Safeguarding Children’s board to hold events informing the public about grooming and child abuse.

They will include training for students and staff at Mid Kent College and people working in locations popular with young people such as McDonald’s.

Signs of child sexual exploitation include an adult with a young person they behaving in an intimate way with or adults who frequently visit restaurants, shops or businesses in the company of different young people.

Those who see a young person looking concerned or frightened in the company of adults should contact police on 101, or the dedicated Say Something hotline, anonymously, on 116 000.

Mr El Hajj, who runs the three McDonald’s outlets in the County Town, described the problem as an epidemic and said: “It is not only people living in Maidstone but there are gangs from other areas coming into town.”

Police will also talk to taxi drivers, bar staff, clubs and hotels, on the issues.

National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day is on March 18.

Secondary school pupils will to watch a drama performance called “Chelsea’s Choice” at the Kent Police Training School.

Public information sessions run at Jubilee Square today between 11.30am and 4pm and on Friday, March 17, from 1.30 to 3.30pm.