Head teachers have told their pupils to avoid going into a town centre after a rise in gang related crime and stabbings.

Leaders at schools in Gravesend issued the warning following several incidents in recent weeks in a bid to keep children safe.

Letters were sent home to parents from Gravesend Grammar School (GGS) and St George's CoE School warning youngsters not to visit the town.

Matt Lillie, head of school at St George's, said: "You may be aware of current issues in respect of gang related crime in the local area and South East London.

"We have been asked to advise parents and pupils to avoid Gravesend town centre, where possible, over the next week.

"The police have drafted in additional officers to patrol the area to try and ensure the public safety."

The message has been echoed by GGS head Malcolm Moaby who also wrote to parents about staying away from the town centre both before and after school.

The school wrote to parents last month following an incident in Milton Road but Mr Moaby said he addressed children at the school on Friday after more problems.

Mr Moaby said: "I am strongly advising against the following until the end of term.

"Students should not hang around unnecessarily in Gravesend town centre before or after school.

"If travelling further afield on bus, train and ferry to take the earliest one possible.

"Avoid known crime hotspots in Gravesend such as Woodlands Park and the Promenade.

"Avoid engaging in social media activity that may be inciting violence."

He said he did not feel children needed to change their transport arrangements but warned them to "take extra precautions".

But Gravesham council leader John Burden said the message put out by the schools "is not reflective of the situation in Gravesend and is not a helpful one".

Cllr Burden (Lab) added: "Our Community Safety Unit works very closely with Kent Police and together our aim is to ensure the town centre remains a safe place for people to visit and enjoy.

"Clearly recent incidents have been a cause for concern, but I know the police investigations into these are progressing well and, as always, they have proactive measures in place aimed at preventing further incidents."

The move from the schools come after several violent incidents across Gravesend and Northfleet in recent weeks.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in Haynes Road, Northfleet on July 4.

'The message from our schools is not reflective of the situation in Gravesend and is not a helpful one...'

An assault in New Road in the town centre on July 11 saw two men injured and police have launched an investigation.

Officers are also continuing to probe an attack in Milton Road where a teenage boy was stabbed multiple times in the back and leg on a zebra crossing on June 15.

A driver was stabbed after his Jeep Cherokee crashed into a wall in High Street, Northfleet on July 2.

Police say the occupants of a white Audi, a red Audi and a white Ford Transit jumped out of their vehicles after the crash and attacked the victim and left the scene following the assault.

Mr Moaby said staff at GGS would be available to provide further support to parents regarding the safety of children and could report "intelligence" about matters which could help protect all pupils.

Concerned parents could contact inclusion lead at the school James Fotheringham on fotheringhamj@gravesendgrammar.com.

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