A Ramsgate flat where drugs and weapons were discovered has been closed off by police after a court order was granted.

Anyone who accesses the apartment in Melbourne Avenue for up to the next three months risks arrest, including the previous tenant, after the property was made the subject of a closure order.

During the past year drugs have been thrown out of windows from the flat and there have been visitors at all hours of the day.

People living in the area have been intimidated and violent threats have been made.

Warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act were carried out at the flat in April and August, when drugs were found.

During the second warrant officers found a metal barrier constructed inside to prevent anyone accessing the front door.

Weapons were also recovered, including a cosh made from a sock filled with metal nuts.

A 40-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply, and remain under investigation.

Following an investigation by Thanet community safety unit, Kent Police applied for a closure order, which was heard at Margate Magistrates' Court on December 23.

It was served on Tuesday and will remain in place for up to three months, stopping anyone, including the previous tenant, from entering.

Thanet CSU Inspector Alex Tyler said: "The evidence we provided showed this address had clearly been causing upset to the surrounding community.

"To have to live close to a property which is at the heart of nuisance behaviour is unacceptable so we will always look to take action where appropriate.

"Residents and business owners should not feel helpless when confronted with such a situation and I encourage anyone who finds themselves experiencing something similar to report it to police."

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