A beach party billed on Facebook as a “night of mayhem” at Sandbanks, Poole, attracted more than 1,000 partying youngsters.

But the “biggest and best beach party ever” turned into a damp squib after a strong force of Dorset Police prevented masses of teenagers flooding onto the beach.

There were around 30 police officers at the beach at 7pm and while the party was advertised from 7.30pm to 1am, it was all over by 11.30pm.

At the Friday night revel a 17-year-old Poole boy was arrested for a public order offence and a large quantity of alcohol was seized from under-age youths.

The invitation on the social networking website urged: “Invite everyone you know and tell them to invite everyone they know”.

But as the summer approaches and barbecue weather is forecast, Borough of Poole has promised to crack down hard to discourage unregulated parties on council property.

Some vandalism and damage was caused, said Cllr Don Collier, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment.

“We had wind of this and worked with the police in a co-ordinated manner,” he said. “There were far fewer people than was anticipated.

“This has the potential to be very damaging to an important tourism asset and something that’s treasured by the people of Poole.”

John Sprackling, chairman of Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and District Residents Association, praised the police for getting to grips with the situation. He said residents saw groups of youngsters walking along Canford Cliffs Road carrying bags of drink.

“Young people need to enjoy themselves but they have to have regard for the residents living in the vicinity,” he said.

Many comments on Facebook from those who went along determined to party, bemoaned the disappointing event.

A Poole schoolboy said: “Someone pasted it all over Facebook, police got involved and ruined a good night out. Most people didn’t even get to the beach because of police everywhere. What a waste of council tax.”

In a statement Dorset Police said the beach party was generally very good-natured. “Police officers attended to ensure the safety of the public as well as partygoers and to prevent disorder.”

The 17-year-old is on bail while enquiries continue.