A 48 hour dispersal order is in place in Margate High Street after police were called yesterday (August 12) following complaints of teens brawling, including that a teenage girl punching a member of staff at McDonalds and then pulling a woman’s hair.
Officers attended at around 5pm and, while trying to make enquiries, arrested a 16-year-old boy from London after attempts were made to damage a police car and an officer was assaulted.
One trader said: “There were running battles with police and underage drinkers all day. McDonald’s was made to close by police because of unrest.
“Local traders out protecting their businesses and others. People were seen with bottles and metal poles in hands for weapons.
“This wasn’t an isolated incident either. I’ve had reports of mass brawls on the harbour arm at least twice from other traders plus on the steps on the beach too. The town is also awash with rubbish again as the council bins cannot cope with the influx.”
The trader said ‘ineffectual policing’ due to staffing cuts means yobs are getting away with brawling and causing damage.
Trouble yesterday also extended to the beach where one concession closed at 4pm due to the disruption and a number of ‘laughing gas’ canisters were found on the sands.
Kent Police said: “An arrest has been made as part of an ongoing investigation into a disturbance involving a group of young people in Margate High Street.
“Kent Police was called to the area at around 5pm on Monday 12 August where it was reported that member of staff at a commercial premises had been punched by a teenage girl. Police are also investigating a report that a girl assaulted a woman by pulling her hair.
“While making enquiries at the scene, attempts were made to damage a police car. A 16-year-old boy from London was arrested on suspicion of causing damage, as well as assaulting an officer. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
“Officers worked with CCTV operators to monitor the area and a 48-hour dispersal order was put in place. The group was dispersed away from the town centre with a warning that they risked arrest if they returned.”
