A team of elderly pétanque players say there were pelted with eggs by a gang of teens while they played a Saturday afternoon match.

The group, one of whom is in his 80s and walks with a zimmer frame, was in Charlotte Court in Ramsgate enjoying a game, when the gang started intimidating them.

Player Peter Hulcoop says it frequently happens, but this is the first time they had been attacked with eggs.

"They usually congregate behind the brick wall in Albert Court, which is behind Charlotte Court, " he said.

"We always hear them and they throw the odd stone over. We can always smell the weed they're smoking - it's unbelievable, it makes you feel dizzy.

"They also walk and cycle through the middle of the court when we're playing which not only ruins the surface but it's dangerous.

"They just try to be annoying."

'One egg hit my waist and went on the ground and then they starting coming at us' - Peter Hulcoop

The 69-year-old, who is the youngest of the pétanque players, the oldest being in his eighties, says on Saturday six of them had turned up at midday to play.

"A couple of eggs were thrown over which splattered onto the court, which we ignored," said Mr Hulcoop.

But he says the commotion started when the group sat around the edge of the court "whooping and being intimidating" and then stood in an area meaning Mr Hulcoop was unable to play in case he hit them with a ball.

An argument ensued and Mr Hulcoop says the youngsters, who he believes are aged around 17, went off and returned shortly with two dozen eggs.

"They started throwing them at us," he said.

"One hit my waist and went on the ground and then they starting coming at us.

"One egg went past me and hit the oldest member of our group. He's had several medical scares and walks with a zimmer frame."

He says he feels the group of teens is dangerous.

"They want to show us that they're in charge," he added.

"They have no respect for us."

The incident was reported to the police.

Police spokesman James Walker confirmed enquiries were taking place to establish the circumstances.

"At 1.21pm on Saturday police received a report that a group of young people had behaved antisocially towards another group of people in Charlotte Court," he said.

"No injuries were reported and officers were advised the young people had dispersed."

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet