Hundreds of people are furious with the organisers of last night's Hawkinge Cricket Club firework display claiming it was "dangerous" and "shambolic".

And following widespread criticism of the event on social media and KentOnline, the organisers this afternoon issued an apology for what happened.

In a statement the club said the event had been affected by "an unprecedented number attending the event", which was "exceptional and very much unforeseen".

It went on: "As such, we were unable to cope effectively with the number of people. This event is now under careful review to consider the best way forward."

On its website promoting Saturday evening's display the club had promised attendees "a bigger and better" firework night than the previous year's event which attracted 4,000 people, with a kids firework display and fun fair.

But, with a £10 entry fee, many were disappointed and left early last night, saying the firework display was potentially "dangerous", there was no fun fair and a "barely noticeable" bonfire.

Families also complained of lengthy queues for food and drinks, too few toilets and poor organisation.

Richard Isted, of St Lukes Walk, Hawkinge said he was concerned for his family’s safety throughout the event.

He said: “The fireworks shouldn’t have gone anywhere near the crowd and they did - they were far too close.

“You had fireworks going off and coming back towards us. It was a nightmare.

"I felt very anxious - I was concerned about my step-daughter, wife, and father-in-law’s safety.”

The 32-year-old added he wasn't happy with the facilities at the venue and said there wasn't a fun fair "in any shape or form" and the bonfire was "barely noticeable."

Mr Isted and his family decided to leave the firework display and head home, but as they did he said: "There were a great number of men, women and children heading towards the exit, trying to get past people in endless queues which was very dangerous and stressful.

“When we got to the exit, a mass of people stopped and it was a very claustrophobic and anxious situation to be in such a big crowd in such close proximity."

The father-of-one says no count was made of the number of people entering or leaving the venue and they were not given wristbands or stamps when they entered the site.

He added: “I was very concerned for my and my family's safety throughout the event, from the fireworks, poor facilities and a total lack of crowd control or management.

“It was shockingly evident that is was grossly overcrowded.”

“When we were leaving, I then realised that the safety stewards were continuing to let people enter the venue as we were all leaving which nearly led to a crush of people,” he added.

"I don't just want my money back, I want something to be done. I want an explanation - what planning there was and how was it risk assessed.

"It was meant to be the best firework display in south Kent, so surely someone is responsible for the safety of people and I want to know who."

Christopher Farnfield claims the cricket club deleted his critical review of the evening on its Facebook page this morning.

He said: “The firework show was shocking. My pregnant wife got hit by a burning firework and while holding my one-year-old daughter.

“Hot rocks were peppering the crowd. Got home and my wife is burnt and bruised.”

Another woman wrote on Hawkinge Cricket Club’s Facebook page saying that she and her daughter had bits of ash in their eyes and mouths from the event.

It is understood a group of disgruntled people who attended the event were due to visit the club today (Sunday) in the hope of obtaining refunds.

Hawkinge Cricket Club apologised today via their Facebook page.

Here is the full statement released by the club:

"We would like to thank everybody that attended the Hawkinge Firework display last night.

"It is always our aim to provide all members and visitors with an exceptional experience. However, on this occasion, we feel some visitors didn’t receive that experience and for that, we would like to apologise.

"The shortage of facilities and food available was due to an unprecedented number attending the event and although the volume of visitors has increased slightly each year, this year was exceptional and very much unforeseen.

"As such, we were unable to cope effectively with the number of people. This event is now under careful review to consider the best way forward.

"If you do have any comments, good or bad, about the event please do so, but, please do be mindful that this is a family club and all readers deserved to be treated with consideration.

"It was with regret that we felt it necessary to delete our Facebook events page, some comments were totally inappropriate. And, whilst we appreciate this is an open forum we are first and foremost and family cricket and social club and didn’t want any members of our club or the general public exposed too unnecessary rude and offensive comments.

"Any complaints should be made by calling 01303 893873 or pop into the club and fill out a complaint form and will be recorded and reviewed for consideration by the committee at the forthcoming meeting in November."