Police say they may bring in an alcohol ban to help thwart a giant beach party at a south Devon resort this weekend.
A beach party which had been planned to take place at a south Devon resort this weekend, looks to have been cancelled.
The event planned for 4 July in Torbay is being advertised on networking site Facebook as a "night of mayhem".
The event on 4 July in Torbay was being advertised on the social networking site Facebook as a "night of mayhem".
Officers have not applied for the drink ban yet but said it was a possibility as they pledged to halt the gathering.
An entry has since appeared on the site saying that due to an "unexpected high number of people" the event was off.
More than 7,200 people have said they may be attending what organisers describe as the "biggest open party Torbay has ever seen".
More than 7,200 people said they would be attending, but Devon and Cornwall Police had said they would prevent the event which they said was dangerous.
The town's police commander, Supt Chris Singer, said safety was always the main consideration after lack of planning at a beach party in Brighton in 2002 ended in the death of a woman who fell on to railings and a man who died of a heart attack.
People will be put at risk if the event goes ahead Supt Chris Singer
He said: "Public safety is paramount and this is why the event cannot go ahead.
"Lack of planning in Brighton in 2002 led to a fatality and we are determined this will not happen here.
"The so-called planners have taken no steps in respect of sanitation, first aid and access.
"People will be put at risk if the event goes ahead."
He said he could apply to magistrates to use powers under the Licensing Act 2003 to halt the sale of alcohol in a specific area for a time where it was linked to disorder.
He said: "This is a public safety issue, there are high spring tides and, mixed with alcohol, this is particularly dangerous."
Seizure powers
The police had a "large number of resources in place" to prevent the event happening, he said.
"We are seeking to make sure we are in a position to disrupt it," he added.
He said it was irresponsible for people to advertise such events on social networking sites.
He said: "Police have - and will use - powers to seize sound equipment and will arrest offenders."
