PREVIEW

Hundreds of teenagers caused carnage in a seaside town over the Bank Holiday weekend, forcing businesses to shut and frightening young families.
Youths took over large areas of Broadstairs, in Kent, with many drinking alcohol and behaving anti-socially.
The influx appears to have been encouraged through social media, where it was described by one TikToker as a ‘Broadstairs Biggest Beach Link-up’.
Video footage shows groups appearing to behave antisocially on the beach, with police also seen moving people on and dispersing crowds.
Businesses in the town, some of whom decided to close early following intimidation, have now condemned the behaviour.
The owner of the Viking Bay Cafe says the town must not become a backdrop for mayhem and intimidation.
“Yesterday should have been a brilliant Bank Holiday for everyone,” he posted on the business’s Facebook page.
“Instead, parts of our beach and town were disrupted by reckless behaviour from some groups, to the point that police had to attend.
“Sadly, videos shared across TikTok and other social media show the behaviour wasn’t just on the beach, but throughout our town.
“What makes it even more disappointing is that some small local businesses were forced to close early because of the disruption and intimidation caused.
“Broadstairs is a beautiful seaside town built around families, local businesses, visitors and community spirit. People should be able to enjoy a sunny day safely and respectfully, whether they are young or old.
“Most individuals involved were clearly bringing alcohol with them and not purchasing from ourselves or other licensed businesses on the beach.
“To the people who came here simply to cause trouble, film chaos for social media and disrespect our town - you are not welcome. This town is not a backdrop for mayhem or intimidation.”
Maria Goldfinch, who runs the New Old Bakehouse in the High Street described the day as “exhausting” for local businesses who fear visitors won’t come back because of their experience.
She said the behaviour of groups of youths affected businesses all over town, including Tesco, Londis and many independents.
“Staff are trying to do their jobs, keep customers safe and keep businesses running, all while dealing with disruption and intimidation,” she said.
“We have no permanent police or security presence in town, and although security do come when called, they are often stretched elsewhere down by the beach. By the time help arrives, the damage is already done.
“The saddest part was hearing customers say they don’t want to come back to Broadstairs because of what they experienced yesterday.
“That hurts, because Broadstairs is a beautiful town with hardworking local businesses that care deeply about our community and visitors.”
Many people also bemoaned the huge amount of litter left on the beach at the end of the day which required a huge effort by pickers to clean up.
Police bodycam footage shows officers dispersing large groups, moving people on and pouring away alcohol - all in breach of Section 34 dispersal orders introduced over the weekend.
Officers say 27 people were dispersed by police working to disrupt antisocial behaviour in Thanet over the Saturday and Sunday.
The orders, which cover Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate, were introduced on Friday, May 22, and will remain in place until 3pm on Sunday in Broadstairs and Margate, and until 9pm in Ramsgate.
The police say they are part of a continued response to crack down on underage street drinking and antisocial behaviour. High visibility patrols have also been increased in the areas to identify and tackle any nuisance behaviour.
Alongside the dispersals on Friday night, there were also two arrests and two stop and searches which resulted in a 16-year-old boy arrested on Broadstairs Promenade on suspicion of failing to comply with a dispersal notice. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
A 17-year-old boy was also arrested in Broadstairs High Street on suspicion of assault on emergency worker and possession of Class B drugs. He remains in custody.
Four teenagers were returned to the care of their parents.
Two stop and searches were conducted with a small amount of Class B drugs seized and a community resolution order was issued.
Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster says officers are committed to tackling antisocial behaviour and, through the dispersal orders, officers are able to act swiftly to prevent disruption.
She added: “The majority of people who visit Thanet are able to do so responsibly and respectfully. However, there are some who make a nuisance of themselves and this behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Broadstairs has suffered from similar incidents of antisocial behaviour during previous summer months.
In June last year, youths went on the rampage in the town, damaging businesses, including the family-run Sardinia Italian restaurant, where staff were attacked with chairs and bottles.