A closure order stopping people from entering a flat has been extended by police after a wave of anti-social behaviour.
The ban on the property in Oak Road, Murston, comes after a couple said they endured eight months of hell after their nightmare neighbours spat at them, hit them and even threatened to kill their dog.

It will remain in place until February 25, and trespassers could face a fine and up to 51 weeks in prison.

Police say it is necessary to stop "persistent intimidation, threats and verbal abuse that residents living nearby had to previously endure" happening again.

The extension of the closure order was granted at Maidstone’ Magistrates Court last Thursday over concerns the flat was linked to repeated threats and harassment to neighbours.

The ruling makes it an offence for anyone to enter the property and had originally lasted from August 26 until November 25.

Philip Web, who is 65 and recovering from a heart attack, was among those who suffered at the hands of the tenants.

He said: "Our neighbours have given us hell.

"I don't feel safe, I just want to live near people my age and eat my dinner in peace.

"I can't take this any more, I don't smoke, I don't drink, I just pop to the shops and watch soaps."

Officers have ensured the housing association-owned property will remain secured against any unauthorised entry, and a sign on the door warns it is an offence to enter.

PC Jamie Spencer, of the Swale Community Safety Unit, said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour remains an absolute priority for us, as these types of issues can make people’s lives a misery and have a profound negative impact on the local community.

"An extension of this closure order is therefore an important step to help us prevent any recurrence of the persistent intimidation, threats and verbal abuse that residents living nearby had to previously endure."