Police are investigating an alleged assault after a pensioner claims she was bundled out of a hotel when she complained about an "overpriced" buffet.

Tina Surrell, 66, of Woodward Terrace, Dartford, paid £55 for an over 18s party at the Royal Clarendon Hotel in Gravesend.

But hours later, she was in the police station claiming she was left with bruising to both arms when she was "manhandled" out of the bash.

A police spokesman confirmed they were investigating an alleged assault.

Tina's ticket paid for what was described to her friends as a "luxurious buffet" with lobster, poached salmon and oysters as well as a band on New Year's Eve.

Partygoers were offered £20 entry to arrive at 9pm for the music but no buffet - effectively meaning the food cost £35.

From the moment Tina arrived with her two friends, she says she was left disappointed.

Tina said: "The buffet came out and the first problem was the lack of it. There wasn't enough for the 50 of us, I would do the same size for about 20 people.

"I asked the manager where the lobster was and he said they had forgotten to defrost it. There was also curry and battered fish but no accompaniments.

"I told the manager I spent £55 on this and told him what I thought about it.

"Then people started coming in after 9pm and were told they could help themselves to the food despite not paying.

"I asked to speak to the owner and told him what the problems were. I said there was a lot of people waiting after midnight to make a complaint.

"I wasn't after a refund but did feel I should have had some recompense so I wanted my money for the buffet back.

"He asked me for my name and address to send the money through head office. As soon as I took a step to get my coat he turned to these two men and said 'get her out'.

"These two men had one arm up my back and took me through two sets of doors before pushing me outside the hotel."

While outside, Tina says she overheard a member of staff tell her friend she had been drunk and abusive, further upsetting her.

"I was traumatised. My friends came out and asked me what I wanted to do and I said I wanted to go to the police to report it.

"They said I was abusive and I had a drink but I'm teetotal.

"Obviously the bruising has gone down now but after it happened you could see the thumbprint."

After leaving the police station with minutes to go until midnight, Tina was at her friend's home in Gravesend when the clock struck 12pm.

"I feel adamant that something should be done," she said. "I feel completely let down. I've tried to contact Trading Standards and I'm waiting to hear from the police."

Alan Brett, from the Royal Clarendon Hotel, says it's not "hotel policy not to comment any guest or their behaviour".