A dispersal order was put in place in Margate last night (September 9) following reports of up to 100 people fighting at stations or on trains in Margate, Herne Bay and Whitstable.
British Transport Police officers, some with dogs, and Kent Police responded to a number of disorder reports.
On X, BTP Kent says: “Last night our officers along with BTP Dogs and Kent Police Thanet responded to multiple reports of disorder in the Margate, Herne Bay and Whitstable areas.
“Some reports stated there were 100 people fighting at stations or on trains. As a result several units attended.
“Officers stayed at Margate along with Southeastern Railway enforcement officers to see through the thousands that had come down to the coast and to prevent any further disorder.
“A dispersal order was utilised which was put in place by Kent Police which covered the train station.”
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “A 48-hour dispersal order was enforced in Margate from 7.20pm on Saturday 9 September 2023.
“Officers were responding following several incidents of anti-social behaviour and disorder during the evening. These included reports of a large group of people fighting on Margate beach, a disturbance at the train station and reports of criminal damage in the High Street.
“The dispersal covered the surrounding area of the coastline to Hartsdown Road to Tivoli Road to Grovesnor Gardens back to the coastline.
“The aim of the order was to prevent any further disorder. It allowed officers to direct any person over 10 years of age to leave the area and not return for a stated period of time if they had reasonable grounds to suspect that behaviour has contributed, or is likely to contribute, to the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.”
One person was arrested on suspicion of assault and has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
