"Rude and discourteous" groups of youths will be dispersed from a Greenhithe swimming spot feared to be a hub of anti-social behaviour this weekend.

A police dispersal order is being enforced for 48 hours from 11am this morning, covering the area surrounding Castleridge Lake, off Castleridge Drive and Havelock Drive.

Residents have reported repeated instances of nuisance behaviour, including excess noise and criminal damage over recent months. 

The order grants officers additional powers to disperse any group, or individual, who they suspect has engaged, or is likely to engage in, antisocial behaviour.

Failure to comply with a request to leave risks arrest.

Inspector Sarah Rivett, from the Dartford Community Safety Unit, said: "We understand that people visit the lake to enjoy the warm weather, but it cannot be to the detriment of the wider community.

"Unfortunately we have received reports of groups of young people attending the area and behaving in a rude and discourteous manner to other members of the public. They have also been swimming in the lake, which places themselves in unnecessary danger.

"Our officers will be making regular visits to the area over the weekend and will not hesitate to take the most robust, and proportionate, course action available to anyone who chooses to engage in nuisance behaviour."