Police made multiple arrests and dispersed crowds after fights broke out on beaches in Broadstairs and Margate on Wednesday as large numbers of people descended on the Kent coast during the heatwave.
The trouble began at around 5.35pm when officers were called to a fight on the beach at Viking Bay in Broadstairs involving a small group that had attracted a crowd of onlookers. An 18-year-old man from London, an 18-year-old man from Swanley and a 16-year-old boy from Dartford were all arrested on suspicion of assault. A man in his 20s suffered a cut to his head in the incident, and enquiries are ongoing.
In Margate, patrols were called to further fighting on the beach and moved to disperse crowds before arresting an 18-year-old man from London at around 7.35pm who was believed to have been throwing punches at multiple people. He attempted to flee but was caught shortly afterwards. A further arrest was made at Margate railway station, where several people including a security guard were reported to have been assaulted, with an 18-year-old man from London taken into custody on suspicion of affray.
Chief Inspector Ian Swallow, District Commander for Thanet, said the behaviour was unacceptable and warned that further disorder would not be tolerated. “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,” he said. “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.”
Swallow confirmed that dispersal orders remain in place across Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Westwood Cross, and said a highly visible police presence would continue throughout the rest of the week and across the summer.
