Police were forced to break up a house party flooded by 200 revellers over the bank holiday weekend.

Officers were concerned for the safety of youngsters at the party in Coventry Gardens, Beltinge near Herne Bay, on Saturday night and the nuisance being caused to people living nearby.

Police say the party was advertised on the internet and attracted an estimated 200 people, some reported to be as young as 12 and some coming from as far afield as Folkestone and Gravesend.

The party was hosted by an 18-year-old man from Herne Bay in an empty house thought to belong to the man’s family.

Insp Gordon Etheridge said: “It was clear that there was a large amount of alcohol being consumed, some of it by under 18s.

"There was no effective adult supervision and the house was becoming dangerously overcrowded when we took the decision to end the party.”

Police received a number of complaints about the noise and it appears that there were two rooms in the house kitted out with music equipment.

About 25 officers including those with dogs attended the scene to break up the party.

The crowd was escorted by officers through Beltinge and then dispersed into small groups. There were no arrests.

Police will be meeting with the 18-year-old and his parents to warn against future events and and have extended the warning to the community that raves and house parties that get out of control will not be tolerated.