A GOLF club has denied police claims travellers who didn't pay for their drinks caused criminal damage.

More than 200 people turned up at Stapleford Abbots Golf Club, in Tysea Hill, Brentwood, for a party which had been booked for only 50.

Essex Police were then called to a “disturbance” and reports of criminal damage and theft from the venue at 9.55pm on Tuesday.

But a spokesman for the club denied the police’s version of events, saying only a small number of drinks were not paid for.

He admitted there was a mess, but said this did not constitute criminal damage.

He said: “There was not a row or disagreement between the staff and the guests.

“The problem was the event was booked as a leaving do for 50 people.

“The problem then came when many more people turned up. Two hundred is only an estimate. People were not making head counts at the time.

“I think the problem was around the bar. Lots of people were trying to get drinks. With so many people it became impossible to control.

“The manager decided to withdraw the staff before the situation got difficult. There was no violence.”

The golf club remains open and was cleared by 12pm the day after the event.