Elderly social club members were evacuated from New Year’s Eve celebrations when tear gas was set off in the gents’ loo.

Staff at Wigmore and District Smallholders Club in Gillingham ushered guests - some with streaming eyes - to the doors and threw open the windows.

Three fire engines were sent to reports of a “chemical reaction” at the premises at around 9.30pm on Tuesday amid fears there had been a “noxious attack”.

Speaking on Thursday, a club spokeswoman confirmed the incident was caused by CS gas - which is routinely used by police around the world for riot control.

She told KentOnline: “Lots of people had started coughing and their eyes were watering. We investigated and found something was causing it in the toilets.

“There was no smell but we ventilated the room by opening the windows and closed the toilets and the bar area nearby.

“We called the fire service and they thought it was best to evacuate the entire building.

“They did a number of tests and took everything apart and came to the conclusion that it was a CS gas like pepper spray.”

Fire crews also assisted paramedics with three people who suffered minor injuries.

CS gas, which can cause intense tear production, eye pain, chest tightness, coughing and sneezing, is illegal to buy, own, or spray.

The club spokeswoman added: “You do not expect that especially not in places like this. It was not the New Year’s Eve we were expecting either.

“It was a big hit for a club like this as it is usually one of the biggest nights of the year.

“However, we did what was needed for the safety of our members and guests to make sure everyone was safe.

“Unfortunately, it did ruin our New Year’s Eve celebrations but the main thing is no one suffered any long-term consequences.”

Club bosses are investigating how the incident occurred as it is not known if the gas was let off on purpose or by accident and who did it.

The emergency services left the scene by 11.20pm and the venue was open as normal the following day.