A beach party was shut down by police after hundreds of teenagers who saw it plugged on Facebook binged on alcohol and laughing gas.

Six officers spent two-and-a-half hours at the bash in Tankerton on Friday night, confiscating 150 bottles of alcohol from underage drinkers and disrupting rowdy and anti-social behaviour.

They also found several empty canisters of nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas.

The party had been organised through social media - despite warnings last month that patrols were being increased in the area - and more than 200 teenagers attended.

The increased patrols were in response to reports from residents about noise, drinking and aggressive behaviour from large groups of young people gathering in the area.

Sergeant Nick Barton said: "In all officers confiscated more than 150 bottles and cans of alcohol, about half of which were poured away there and then and the rest was seized to be disposed of later.

“As well as the alcohol our officers found several empty canisters of nitrous oxide – more commonly known as laughing gas – which we believe had probably been used by some of the young people on Friday evening.

“The approach of positively dealing with the situation had the desired effect. Some of the teenagers left soon after officers arrived and the beach was completely empty by 10.30pm.”

Police patrols are being increased in the area throughout the summer months to deal with associated crime and anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Barton has urged parents of teenagers to make sure they knew where their children are and that they are fully aware of the consequences of under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour.

He added: "Officers will confiscate alcohol from anyone under the age of 18, or anyone suspected of being drunk and disorderly or causing a nuisance.

"They will also use discretionary powers to disperse anyone, if their behaviour is causing, or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, or crime or disorder."