VIOLENCE erupted at a village hall birthday party when hundreds of uninvited youngsters turned up after details of the teenage bash were posted on social media.

Weeley Village Hall was hired out for the ill-fated celebrations on Friday night.

But huge numbers of uninvited guests from all around the area turned up during the evening and the party eventually descended into chaos.

One girl reportedly had her drink spiked and needed hospital treatment, while a boy was also taken to hospital and a man suffered a broken jaw after being hit in the face.

Police said they were called out at about 11pm to a disturbance involving a “large number of youths”.

When they got to the scene those involved had left.

Earlier in the day Clacton County High School had issued a warning to alert parents after hearing about the party plans.

Police were also made aware, but were assured by organisers that people without invites would not be let in.

But onlookers said large numbers showed up and a small number were hurt as violence broke out at the venue, in Clacton Road.

Weeley Parish Council chairman Peter Dumsday blamed the trouble on social media – and warned similar parties could be turned away in future.

He said: “I spoke to the mother of one boy who had had to go to hospital afterwards.

“This is not something we want to see, but unfortunately it is not the first time we have had problems.

“We have seen incidents, particularly with teenage parties at the hall.

“The last time we actually cancelled the booking before the party because the police had been monitoring social media and were concerned.

“We were in contact with them this time too but they did not think there was anything to be too concerned about.

“I believe in this case the majority of people were not invited.

"Social media is to blame for these things getting out of hand. It is a great shame.”

The village hall is run by a committee, while CCTV is handled by the parish council.

Mr Dumsday said he will provide footage to the police, but has not been contacted yet.

He added: “The venue has a procedure in place now where they look at the age and expected numbers for any party and won’t take some bookings.

“We don’t want to see this sort of thing again.”