A SHOPPING centre has been accused of being “too heavy-handed” when security guards tried to stop a Zumba flash mob.

The Zumba Love Essex group, which is made up of people aged 12 to 81, held a Zumba flash mob - which saw dozens of the group’s members suddenly start dancing in a crowd - at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Basildon on Saturday afternoon.

But the group, which frequently holds performances to raise money for charity, has now said that during the unexpected performance security guards tried to interrupt and stop the flash mob taking place.

The shopping centre insists there were concerns over safety and the event had not been approved to take place beforehand.

A member of the group, who asked not to be named, said: “The flash mob was just held for a bit of fun and was only for about four minutes.

“It was very light-hearted.

“It wasn’t an authorised event, but flash mobs aren’t proper events and only last a few minutes.

“If it was a proper event obviously we would have got permission.”

A video of the flash mob has been posted to Facebook, showing the group performing their routine.

The group claims an assault took place during the event, although there was no footage to prove this claim.

The group member added: “This was very unfortunate and such a shame.

“Our photographer was assaulted, he was only there as a favour to the group.

“The reaction was very heavy-handed and unnecessary.”

The woman also said the group had reported the alleged incident to Essex Police, who said: "Essex Police are investigating an allegation of an assault which took place at Eastgate Shopping centre Basildon on Saturday, August 20."

A spokesman for Eastgate, which is known for its support of the community, said: “Eastgate hosts and, indeed, welcomes events here in the centre from numerous different groups and individuals throughout the year.

“This is always on the understanding that the correct health and safety procedures have been followed from those that we invite in, so as not to cause disruption or other potential harm or injury to shoppers or retail partners.

“We can confirm that our security team prevented an unauthorised event, which failed to meet our safety requirements, being held here on Saturday.”