Arrests as 200 teens swarm Kent shopping centre and food court descends into chaos

Police rushed to the Bluewater Shopping Centre and ordered a crowd of around 200 young people to leave amid 'nuisance behaviour' - three 16-year-old boys have been arrested

Three boys have been arrested after around 200 young people stormed Bluewater Shopping Centre and caused a major disturbance.

Police raced to the Kent shopping centre and ordered large crowds to leave amid "nuisance behaviour" at the food court.

Two 16-year-old boys from London were arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance, while another 16-year-old boy from London was detained on suspicion of common assault. They remain under investigation, Kent Police have now said.

Kent Police issued a dispersal order, giving officers the power to move people on from the shopping centre within two hours of the initial call out at 3pm on Monday.

The force has reminded school pupils beginning their summer holidays to "think twice before participating in these kinds of incidents," adding "there is no need to gain a criminal record for the sake of boredom or wanting to have fun."

Dispersal orders grant officers extra powers to move on anyone causing a nuisance in a specific area. It also gives police the power to, if necessary, arrest anyone who returns to the area after being moved on.

Dartford's Chief Inspector Sarah Rivett said: "While this may have been an isolated incident due to the last day of exams, we are more than prepared for any such antisocial incidents in the future.

"As a force, we are tackling nuisance behaviour head on as summer approaches and the school holidays begin.

"As shown yesterday, we aren’t afraid to bring the full force of the law down on anyone bringing distress and chaos to our communities.

"We encourage anyone to think twice before participating in these kinds of incidents, as it could have serious consequences on your future. There is no need to gain a criminal record for the sake of boredom or wanting to have fun."

Bluewater is one of the UK's largest retail and leisure destinations. The shopping centre opened in 1999 and features over 300 stores, 50 restaurants, and 13,000 parking spaces.