A teenager's birthday party descended into a violent brawl when it was targeted by gatecrashers after being advertised on Facebook.

Windows were smashed and people assaulted after a fight broke out in the car park at a private get-together at Layzells club in Minster, on the Isle of Sheppey.

Lu Zborowska, of Seaview Gardens, Warden, had hired out the venue on Saturday evening to celebrate turning 19 earlier this month.

But after she posted about it on social networking site Facebook, a group of people she did not know arrived.

A huge fight then started in the car park, in The Broadway, between locals and a group from Sittingbourne.

Witnesses said there were around 200 guests and there were reports someone was thrown through a window and another had their throat slashed with a bottle.

Bottles were also thrown at windows, which smashed.

Kent Police have defended their response times - officers arrived more than 20 minutes after initial concerns were raised.

Lu said: "It was a nightmare – I've never seen anything like it. I'd never put something like that on Facebook again."

Paramedics were called and one male teenager was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, with wounds from being punched and kicked. Another was treated at the scene.

Lu added: "I'd been looking forward to it for ages. The people I invited were no trouble – I wouldn't have invited them if they were."

The teenager said her younger brother was knocked out after being punched around the head.

Another witness described it as "the London riots at Layzells", saying: "It was horrible, they were like animals. It's hard to explain in words how bad it was."

Trevor Layzell, who runs the venue, said: "There was no fighting in the club - it was all in the car park.

"There was a crowd of lads from Sittingbourne who came over. We wouldn't let them in and they got a bit irate.

"It was a private party in a function room and nothing to do with the club – there was no one in there when it happened.

"There's nothing you can do about it, but I would say if anyone in future is booking parties don't put it on Facebook - just personal invites only."

"It was a nightmare – I've never seen anything like it. I'd never put something like that on Facebook again..." - Lu Zborowska

Concerns about how long it took police to arrive were raised, but the force defended its response.

Island Insp Tony Cannon said its borderless policy means the "nearest and most appropriate officer" will attend.

He said: "We received a call at 10.45pm to Swale Safe Radio from door staff asking for a police presence in the area but informing officers no offences had been reported.

"A call was then made just after 10.55pm and an officer was on the scene within 12 minutes and a further two patrols a minute later.

"We recognise the importance of attending emergency calls promptly.

"We are one of the few forces which sends an officer to every crime."

A 17-year-old, from Sittingbourne, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and bailed until October 3 pending further inquiries.

Witnesses who have not yet spoken to officers are asked to phone DC Caroline Bentley-Read on 01634 792493, quoting reference XY/22362/13, or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.