Police are investigating reports of assaults and disorderly behaviour following a protest in Faversham against the use of a former care home to house asylum-seeking children.

About 300 people gathered in the usually quiet market town on Saturday, including demonstrators carrying St George's Crosses and Union flags, and members of Faversham Against Racism.

Organisers of the rally had urged those taking part not to get involved in any anti-social behaviour, insisting it was to be a peaceful protest.

There were no arrests on the day but police have since received reports of offences that are now being investigated.

A spokesperson said: "Two women alleged a man assaulted them in Preston Street by grabbing a sign and leaflets they were holding, making threats, and spitting towards them.

"During two separate incidents in East Street, a woman reported she had been pushed over while another said a man had grabbed her flag and spat at her."

Videos show demonstrators and counter-protesters clashing outside the town's Post Office in East Street, which was advertised on social media as the meeting point.

KentOnline has spoken to a pensioner who says she was pushed over and hit her head on the pavement.

Anni Bales says she was trying to stand in the middle of the two groups in East Street "but it got pushier and pushier".

"One man pushed into my shoulder and the next thing I knew, I fell." the 77-year-old said.

"A lot of nice people helped me up."

Jess Clements, 46, from Faversham Against Racism, says older women were jostled and intimidated.

She said: "There was an elderly lady with a laminated sign and a zimmer frame, who I saw physically pushed about at times, and she had her sign taken by a chap.

"He tried to rip it up but couldn't because it was laminated, so he kept hold of it as she shouted that she wanted her property back.

"He spat on it, and there were quite a few who were very in her face - it must have been intimidating."

Protesters from both sides had gathered in East Street before there was a visible police presence.

Video footage and eyewitness accounts suggest there were no foot patrols in the area until officers arrived shortly after 11am, before the two groups dispersed shortly before 11.30am.

Hundreds marched through residential streets to Acacia Court, formerly Kiln Court, which was the destination of the demonstration. The former care home has been used to house unaccompanied asylum-seeking children for about a year.

Here, there was a heavy police presence, with officers separating both sides and counter-protesters telling us they felt much safer in this area.

Mrs Clements was shocked by the lack of officers in East Street.

"From a logistical point of view, having a visible presence would have been helpful," she said.

Mrs Bales says she raised the lack of foot patrols in the East Street area with an officer sitting in a van in Crescent Road, and was told to "write to the chief constable".

"I went to talk to him to get some police down as I could see things were getting near flashpoint and other people had been phoning them," she added.

A police spokesperson told KentOnline there were "several patrols in town before the start" completing general policing duties and that officers remained in contact with the organisers "throughout".

Swale's district commander, Ch Insp Vanessa Foster, says officers "were not called upon" to respond to any incidents of "serious disorder or make any immediate arrests".

"In the hours and days following the protest, we subsequently received reports of assault and disorderly behaviour, and these are being investigated thoroughly," she said.

"This includes the examination of CCTV in the area to identify any suspects and ascertain if the incidents are connected.

"I am determined that anyone who wishes to protest peacefully can do so without a minority of individuals acting aggressively or in an offensive manner.

"I would urge anybody who was a victim of crime during the protest and who has not yet spoken to the police to contact us.

"It is by receiving these details that we can ensure those responsible can be identified and brought to justice."

Before the rally, a page was set up on Facebook called 'Bikers supporting Acacia Court migrant protest Faversham'.

It said: "This is a peaceful protest in support of locals who are concerned about the use of Acacia Court for housing illegal migrants. No anti-social behaviour will be tolerated."

Faversham MP Helen Whately said: "Freedom to protest peacefully is fundamental to our democracy, but there is a difference between peaceful protest and the reports I have heard of protesters intimidating residents.

"The police say they are investigating reports of assault and disorderly behaviour thoroughly, so I would encourage anyone who experienced abuse or harassment to report that to the police to make sure they have the full picture."

The Conservative says that she is frustrated that hotels and community facilities are being used to house thousands of asylum seekers.

"I am proud of our record of welcoming refugees over the years but now our generosity is being abused," she added.

"I've had many conversations with people who have left me in no doubt about the level of anger about this; I know many people feel they are not being heard and that protests are the only way forward.

"It's high time the government got back control of our borders."