Former X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan was lunged at on stage prompting a 'venue-wide' brawl at one of her Kent gigs.

The singer was left shaken and in tears after a woman attempted to attack her during her set at The Booking Hall in Dover on Saturday.

Ms Spraggan, who was forced to quit the hit TV show due to illness, gave an emotional statement online about the incident, claiming her security guard had his hand bitten and other venue staff were attacked.

She said: "I spent all of yesterday crying because today I was going to announce that the rest of the tour was cancelled.

"As some of you may have read or seen, during the show in Dover, a woman that had been asked to be quiet on multiple occasions attempted to attack me during my set, which resulted in a venue-wide fight.

"A member of security had his hand bitten, venue staff were attacked. There were young children and other vulnerable people in the crowd. Several people have been arrested.

"As an artist, and as a human being, I do not EVER want to be in a position where my fans, touring crew and venue staff are uncomfortable."

The singer said the tour has been overshadowed by unsettling incidents, including homophobia and inappropriate comments, which led her to question whether to carry on.

The 30-year-old added: "Sadly, during this tour we have seen high levels of unrest and I have noticed this not just professionally, but in forms of homophobia, aggression and inappropriate comments from strangers in my personal life too.

"At every show the majority have been absolutely incredible, supportive, attentive and wonderful and I am so grateful for you.

'Rude, disrespectful, and downright horrible people...'

"Sadly, I know you’ve witnessed what I’m talking about too.

"I did this same run in 2019 and it was an incredible experience with the most loving atmosphere."

With just seven shows left the show will go on – Spraggan's promoter has arranged for venues to have extra security that will be running at "zero tolerance".

Spokesman for The Booking Hall, Stuart Cameron, said: "Last night’s incident at Lucy Spraggan’s acoustic show was a dreadful display of disrespect from 5/6 individuals in the crowd that continued to be rude after several requests to be respectful of the evening’s acoustic nature.

"Security was alerted to the situation and were in the process of removing the groups from the venue when in-fighting within the two groups began.

"In the 5 years The Booking Hall has been operating we have never had a problem like this. The Booking Hall is a friendly and welcoming place were people come to have a good and safe time.

"So many of you have commented on this over the years we have been open and pride ourselves on that. Sadly, these individuals were determined to make our music venue and our fantastic night of music from Lucy, unsafe and very unwelcoming. These individuals have been arrested for their behaviour, with ample CCTV footage of their acts.

"Inside the venue last night was a brilliant array of people, which was amazing to see. Some at the venue for this first time, and some of the younger audience members were at their first live show.

"Seeing such appealing (sic) behaviour from these troublemakers was a terribly upsetting situation for all that attended.

"It was heart breaking to see so many people upset over these terrible individuals’ actions.

'Myself, and all members of the security team took a lot of physical damage last night.'

"It is not okay to treat members of my staff (security, bar or tech team) like a punching bag.

"Myself, and all members of the security team took a lot of physical damage last night. Sadly, we have the bruises and cuts to remind us of that. But this will not stop us from doing what we do best.

"Bringing live music to the fantastic people of Dover. Rude, disrespectful, and downright horrible people, this is not the venue for you.

"I want to thank Lucy Spraggan and her team for doing the very best they could. We hope the rest of her tour is less eventful than last night. I also want to thank Dover Police for getting to the venue as quickly as they did.

"All the venue staff for doing the very best they could in such a difficult situation. And lastly, all the other audience members who were a perfect example of how to conduct yourself. It's just a shame the very small minority ruined it for us all. "

Members of the audience told of being left "shaken and hurting".

Jess Griffiths posted: "It was shocking last night and something that will stay with me for a very long time.

"Me and my friend got stuck in the midst of it. Both being crushed up against the stage due to the fight ending up that way.

"But thank you to all the nice people that came over and checked on us. As I was very shaken and hurting. That gave me some faith in humanity."

Commenting on the Booking Hall's statement, one man said: "That's absolutely disgusting mate, so sorry this happened to you, your staff and your amazing venue."

'Unfortunately there are idiots who sometimes think they can do whatever they want and spoil things for other people.'

While another added: "That's shocking. I hope you're all OK. The Booking Hall is such a lovely, friendly venue.

"Unfortunately there are idiots who sometimes think they can do whatever they want and spoil things for other people."

A police spokesman said: "Officers were called to a disturbance at a business premises in Elizabeth Street, Dover, on Saturday, December 4, at around 9.50pm.

"Officers attended where they located a group of people gathered outside the building.

"Two men, aged 30 and 57, were arrested on suspicion of affray. Both men have since been released from custody pending further investigation.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident and who has not yet spoken to police should call police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/251410/21."