This is the shocking moment a police officer was mowed down by a car as a beach party descended into chaos.

The horrific video is one of many unsavoury scenes emerging from 'the cook out', which took place at Greatstone beach near New Romney yesterday.

It shows the vehicle colliding with the officer, who is flipped over the bonnet.

Four officers were injured as the event, organised by the Boss Flavour jerk restaurant in Croydon, flew out of control.

The officers, who were attending an altercation in a car park next to the beach, were treated at the scene by ambulance crews.

A 29-year-old man from London has been arrested in connection with the altercation - it is not known whether he was the driver of the vehicle in the footage.

Last night's gathering saw revellers journey to the quiet seaside town using three pre-booked coaches, however many more used minibuses and cars when all of the coach seats were sold.

Police and ambulance crews were aware of the pre-planned event but did not know its location. They soon arrived to try to maintain order and the public's health.

The fallout of the party has sparked outrage among residents, not just at the lack of social distancing but also the disruption and mess caused by the party-goers.

Earlier the organisers admitted the event "got out of hand" but denied doing anything illegal.

Social distancing laws mean gatherings of more than 30 people need to be approved, and while the cook out was given the go ahead, police withdrew permission with 48 hours to go after learning of the number of revellers expected to attend.

Everyone paid £27.54 for a ticket but organiser Orette Williams said the money was to cover the three coach-loads of people who attended the event and the company gave out food free of charge.

Footage shows bottles being thrown at officers as they slam a van's doors shut

The cook out was initially planned to take place in Camber, East Sussex, but was blocked by Sussex Police.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council, who control the beach, made a statement hitting out at the event.

Cllr David Monk, leader, said: “This gathering was arranged at short notice with the details withheld from us and police colleagues.

"There were no mixed signals. No permission was granted by the council for this gathering or for the use of its land. The council was not in direct contact with the organiser before the event took place.

"The sheer amount of rubbish left behind is disgusting..."

"Some of the online speculation about the gathering is both inaccurate and unhelpful, but the sheer amount of rubbish left behind is disgusting.

"Our waste crews have been on site all morning and continue to work hard to clean the area. We would also like to thank members of the local community for mucking in to help clean up.

"We’ve already made contact with the organiser to discuss the consequences of this gathering and we are considering legal action."

Anyone with information is asked to call 01843 222289 quoting reference 09-0593.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh