Puzzled police officers were left baffled in Broadstairs after being called to a rowdy party, only to find there was no one there.

The mystery began when residents awoke in the early hours of Monday, September 1 to loud music, cheering and clapping from inside the sailing club on Harbour Street.

They assumed that the clubroom had been hired out for a party, and phoned a senior club official.

He told them that there had been no booking, and alerted police who arrived at around 5.35am.

Douglas Spooner, commodore of the sailing club, said: “So many people heard music and voices coming from inside the building, but although two of the windows had been smashed, there was no sign of anyone having been inside.

“All the external doors and gates were locked and the alarm was still set. The police searched the loft, the cellar and every corner but found nothing.

“There seems to be no logical explanation.”

A spokeswoman for Kent Police confirmed they had been called to a disturbance at the sailing club after neighbours had complained about loud music.

She said the premises were contained by officers and that no intruders were found inside the building.

Mr Spooner thinks that historical events could have contributed to the ghostly goings-on.

He said: “Around 150 years ago, our building was divided into three separate cottages which were used by people working in the harbour.

“Apparently, one man hung himself after losing his job and a lady was also murdered there.

“I haven’t noticed anything strange going on myself but I guess there is the potential for a ghostly presence.”

Did you notice anything unusual in Harbour Street that night? Contact the newsroom on 01843 222777 or email thanetextra@thekmgroup.co.uk