At least five people have been arrested in a police operation covering Dartford and Gravesend which saw nearly 100 people stopped and searched.

Among the arrests were two teenage woman from Welling and Erith, an 18-year-old male and a 15-year-old boy, with Class A drugs, assault, drug driving and possession of a machete among the offences.

A Section 60 order was authorised over the weekend as Kent Police launched a series of stop and searches in both Dartford and Gravesend following several unconnected assaults in the area.

And between July 24 and July 25, officers carried out 90 Section 60 searches in north Kent, with the Section 60 allowing them to stop and search anyone they suspected could be involved in crime.

News Shopper: At least five people were arrested and 90 were searched, said Kent PoliceAt least five people were arrested and 90 were searched, said Kent Police

Among those searched was an 18-year-old man who was detained in Cranford Road, Dartford, after he was found in possession of what is believed to be Class A drugs.

He was also found to be riding an uninsured e-scooter which was seized, and has since been released, pending further enquiries.

Two women, aged 18 and 19 and from Welling and Erith respectively, were also arrested on suspicion of assault at around 3am on the Saturday.

The assault is said to have taken place at a nightclub in Essex Road and both women received cautions for the offence.

Patrols also stopped a vehicle in St Albans Road, Dartford, at around 8.50pm on the Saturday and arrested its occupant on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs.

Stephen Button, of Silver Birch Close, Dartford, has since been charged with driving while unfit through drugs and released on bail to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday 26 August.

As a result of additional patrolling in Northfleet on Friday 23 July, officers observed a bag being thrown into a bin.

It was found to contain a machete and, following a foot-pursuit, a 15-year-old boy was arrested in Gordon Road on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon. He has since been released pending further enquiries.

Deputy Divisional Commander for north Kent, Superintendent Neil Loudon said: "These latest results are testament to our ongoing work and commitment to tackle violent crime in north Kent and beyond.

"We remain committed to preventing crime and ensuring Dartford and Gravesend remain safe towns in which to live, work and visit, and we will continue to target criminals who are intent on committing offences in the towns.

"We continue to work closely with our key community partners and our local Independent Police Advisory Group (IPAG) to ensure our policing response remains proportionate’

"My message remains the same to those who are coming to north Kent to commit crime and that is to think again."