A teenage boy has started a custodial sentence after police responded to reports of nuisance motorcyclists in Gravesend.

The 17-year-old, from Gravesend, was arrested after officers and the police helicopter carried out a search of the area in response to concerns by residents that a group of people were riding dangerously on motorbikes on June 1.

Three boys were charged with the incident and of those, one was sentenced at Medway Youth Court on July 1.

He pleaded guilty to breaching an anti-social behaviour order, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence, using a motor vehicle without third party insurance and taking a motor vehicle without the owner's consent. He was sentenced to a six month detention and training order.

The other two boys appeared at Medway Court on an earlier date, on June 3, for sentencing: A 15-year-old boy from Dartford admitted riding a motorcycle on a road and failing to wear protective headgear, and taking a motor vehicle without the owner's consent.

He was sentenced to a three month referral order and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

A 17-year-old boy from Gravesend admitted going equipped for theft, riding a motorcycle on a road and failing to wear protective headgear, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence, using a motor vehicle without third party insurance and taking a motor vehicle without the owner's consent.

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was also given a six month referral order and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

DC Murray Tester, investigating officer at Kent Police, said: "Police responded to a number of reports from residents across Gravesend on June 1 that a group of motorcyclists were causing concern.

"Residents reported that motorbikes were being driven dangerously and were causing a lot of noise nuisance. The helicopter assisted officers searching on the ground and as a result we were able to stop and arrest the suspects.

"Kent Police does not tolerate this sort of behaviour. The actions by these young men were dangerous and could have caused injury to themselves or an innocent passer-by.

"I hope the custodial sentence sends a strong message to anyone who thinks they can get away with riding or driving related offences. Officers will continue to respond to residents' concerns and will put offenders before the courts."