A police force is to be investigated after officers refused to attend when a London family were allegedly pelted with stones by a mob of youths yelling "Jews".

Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) said "concerns have been raised" about the response to the alleged hate crime at Minster beach in the Isle of Sheppey.

The Stamford Hill parents and their five young children say they took shelter and called 999 after coming under attack during a trip to the seaside on Sunday afternoon.

They claimed two boys and three girls aged between 16 and 18 had hurled pebbles from the shoreline.

But Kent Police sent no officers to the beach despite the attackers allegedly still being there. A force spokesman said officers "deemed there was no further risk" after the victims left the beach.

Matthew Scott, Kent's PCC, met with Kent Police's assistant chief constable and director of corporate services to demand answers and called for an independent review.

He said: "I am sorry and saddened that an alleged hate crime against a family visiting Minster-on-Sea took place on Sunday afternoon in our county, and that concerns have been raised about the way in which the matter has been handled by Kent Police.

"Kent Police has already reviewed the case, met with the victim, and made two arrests. The investigation remains ongoing.

"I have asked for the reasons behind the decision not to attend to be investigated - under the police’s threat, harm and risk criteria - and for consideration to be given for the call handing to be independently reviewed."

He added: "I am quite clear that hate has no place in our society and that no-one should have to suffer from crime and abuse because of their religion, sexuality, gender, ethnicity or disability.

"I want victims to have the confidence to come forward, and when organisations representing any community expresses concerns about a particular issue or trend that they are taken extremely seriously too."

The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism branded officers' handling of the incident "appalling".

North-east London's Shomrim neighbourhood watch group said it was supporting the victims, who cut their trip short following the attack.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 4.10pm on Sunday, 28 May, to a report of an assault at Minster beach, Isle of Sheppey.

"During the call the informant left the scene and officers deemed there was no further risk."

The force declined to comment on the PCC's statement.

Two teenage boys, aged 16 and 18, were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. They were bailed pending further investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident can call Kent Police on 01795 419119, quoting reference 28-0929.