Residents of a seaside town are living in fear as groups of violent youths terrorise locals.
The "wannabe gangsters" have prompted comparisons of the Kent town to the Bronx, one of New York's roughest boroughs.
Councillor Liz Harvey, who represents Heron ward on Canterbury City Council said: "They're wannabe gangsters, obviously influenced by the internet and TV, but nobody's impressed with them, everybody knows they're just kids who act hard. This is Herne Bay, this isn't the Bronx or a rough part of London."
The Conservative councillor has been flooded with complaints about teenagers as young as 13 who dress in black tracksuits with covered faces, racing through the town on e-scooters and bikes.
Residents of a small town are living in fear as groups of violent youths terrorise the Kent seaside destination
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The violent behaviour includes disturbing attacks on wildlife, with teenagers allegedly using catapults to maim and kill birds in a local park.
One witness described how culprits collected feathers "like trophies" after their attacks.
Kent Police confirmed they were called to Central Parade on June 6 after reports of a duck being shot with a catapult.
Another Herne Bay resident witnessed a duck being killed in the park before the teenagers "calmly walked away".
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Another Herne Bay resident witnessed a duck being killed in the park
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Local businesses have also been targeted, with Iceland staff reportedly forced to close early after youths broke into their yard, rammed a milk trolley into the back door and threw stones and rocks.
One Iceland worker said: "I will not tolerate this, nor should a member of my staff be afraid to turn up for work."
The youths have prompted comparisons to the Bronx, one of New York's roughest boroughs
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She went on to describe how a cashier arrived the next day "shaking so much" from fear.
Elderly residents in Station Road flats have become too frightened to leave their homes.
The intimidation extends to deliberate attempts to terrorise pedestrians.
One resident described how two teenagers on bikes swerved past her daughter and an elderly woman before laughing as they rode away.
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