A huge outbreak of fighting and violence in a UK seaside town has left residents afraid of being attacked and businesses shutting early to avoid looting and abuse. Shocking footage emerged of the chaos in Broadstairs, Kent, as temperatures soared last week – with tourists caught on camera exchanging blows and a dispersal order issued after the fight escalated into a group brawl.
Residents in the coastal area have suggested the incident was not standalone issue, with a petition launched this week calling for increased action from local authorities to tackle a “growing ride of anti-social behaviour”. “In the week commencing June 16, our town has seen a surge in violent crime,” the petition creator said. They added that the weekend brawl had been followed by a slew of “underage street drinking, fighting on the beaches and at the train station, shoplifting and vandalism”.
“National retailers and locally owned family businesses had no option but to shut their doors,” they added on the Change.org page, which has over 6,000 signaturews.
“Despite temporary dispersal zones used repeatedly over 2024 and into the summer of 2025, the scale and frequency of incidents show little sign of abatement.
“We are concerned for public safety as well as that of local business, who are facing serious threats with damaged property, frightened customers and financial losses.”
A 17-year-old boy was charged with assaulting a police officer following the disorder, and three teenage boys and one teenage girl were arrested on suspicion of public order offences, assault and criminal damage, and have been released on bail.
Miles Kiddell, who works at a gift shop in the seaside town, said “a large group students” attacked staff and broke the building’s windows last week.
He told the BBC: “I have lived here all my life and worked here for 13 years and I have never once felt scared coming to work, but last week I felt terrified.
“I thought I was going to be attacked.”
Detective Chief Inspector of Kent Police, Ian Swallow, described the incidents as “really unfortunate and quite worrying” but added the force was confident that they were “one-offs”.
A spokesperson for Thanet District Council added: “The mindless behaviour of a small minority of young people in recent days is highly disappointing. Our towns and beaches should be safe places for everyone to enjoy.”