A CHILDREN’S party descended into a riot after drunken youngsters, some as young as 12, went on the rampage.

Stunned police arrived at the Lamb and Lion, in Station Road, Westcliff, to find children behind the bar serving their own booze.

Officers even had to close Westcliff station after alcohol-fuelled youths risked their lives running along the train tracks.

Extra officers needed to be drafted in, from as far away as Benfleet, as police struggled to keep the rowdy mob under control.

The party got out of control after details of the bash were apparently leaked on Facebook.

And, instead of the 50 children organisers had expected – 150 youngsters turned up.

Now police have served official papers on the pub, informing staff the venue will face a review of its licence.

Sgt Danny Barnes, of Southend’s licensing unit, said: “There were hundreds of youths which police needed to disperse.

“This incident was so serious, police feel a review is necessary as all the licensing objectives appear to have been breached.

“There have also been complaints from residents who were rightly concerned, and some very frightened.

“I do hope this review gives them some comfort that the police will not tolerate this type of behaviour and licensee’s will be held to account when the licensing objectives are breached.”

Trouble erupted on Friday at around 9.10pm and a massive fight broke out in the street.

Bar manager and landlord Shelley Howlett called police and when officers arrived several fights were taking place.

In the official papers served on the pub yesterday, police stated the venue had “no measures” in place to check ID of those buying booze to ensure they were of legal age.

The documents also claimed the venue had no measures in place to ensure the youngsters’ safety.

Miss Howlet said staff were shocked by what happened and blamed the chaos on Facebook. She added: “Me and my staff checked everyone’s ID and no underage people were served alcohol. We also searched the youngsters’ bags and confiscated a binbag full of alcohol.

“When we reached capacity I closed the doors and shut the pub down.

“Everything got completely out of control, but I rang the police straight away. We needed help.”

l A 17-year-old boy from Southend was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly – he has been bailed until February.

A second boy, aged 16 and from Southend, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and will appear at Southend Youth Court next month.