Kent Police made several arrests and dispersed crowds on Wednesday, June 24, following reports of antisocial behaviour as people flocked to the coast in the hot weather.
An 18-year-old man from London, an 18-year-old man from Swanley, and a 16-year-old boy from Dartford were arrested on suspicion of assault after a fight broke out on Viking Bay beach in Broadstairs.
The incident, which occurred around 5.35pm, saw a man in his 20s suffer a cut to his head.
In Margate, patrols responded to more fights on the beach, dispersing crowds and arresting an 18-year-old man from London, who allegedly “threw punches” at several people.
The man attempted to escape from the officers but was captured shortly after and taken into custody.
Police also dealt with a disturbance at the railway station, where a security guard and others were reportedly assaulted.
An 18-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of affray.
Chief Inspector Ian Swallow, District Commander for Thanet, reiterated the force’s stance on antisocial behaviour, stressing that it would not be tolerated.
He said: “We have made it very clear that we will not tolerate antisocial behaviour in our coastal towns this summer or at any other time of the year, and as demonstrated by these incidents we will quickly make arrests and move people on when necessary.
“If people cannot enjoy the warm weather without fighting or causing a nuisance to others, then they should stay at home, otherwise they will be forced to go home or could find themselves in custody.
“Our beaches are some of the most beautiful in the UK, and it is inevitable that large numbers of people, including parents with young children, will travel here to make the most of the high temperatures.
“It is unacceptable that a minority of troublemakers will ruin the enjoyment of others because they do not know how to behave, and we will not stand for it.
“We will continue to have a highly visible presence in our coastal towns for the rest of this week and throughout the summer, and dispersal orders remain in place in Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Westwood Cross.”
The police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incidents.
