Two teenagers were arrested after police introduced a 48-hour dispersal order in Margate town centre.

The order ran from 6pm on Friday, January 5 following a response to a report of a disturbance.

During the afternoon on Saturday, a 17-year-old boy from Margate was arrested by officers in Cecil Square on suspicion of failing to comply with the dispersal order.

A 15-year-old boy from Margate was also later arrested by officers in High Street on suspicion of failing to comply with a dispersal order.

They have both been released pending further enquiries.

The arrests follow work carried out by Thanet Community Safety Unit officers with other agencies and local businesses to tackle reports of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Inspector Lara Connor from Thanet Community Safety Unit said: "In order for us to deal appropriately with any concerns about crime and disorder caused in the area, we continue to ask residents and businesses to act as our eyes and ears and to report incidents as they take place.

"The information is crucial as it also helps us to determine what policing measures are needed, and the areas affected.

"Dispersal orders can be used as an extra measure against the minority of people who insist on behaving badly in public and making a nuisance of themselves.

"During the order, our officers can ask people to leave an area if they are found behaving as such, and if they then try to return within a given time limit – they will be arrested and could even find themselves in court.

"If they are under 18, their parents will also be informed and we are sure for some, that prospect should be a good enough reason not to risk it.

"We hope this sends out a clear message to anyone who thinks it is ok to behave anti-socially in public. It’s not acceptable and it won’t be tolerated."