AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after Hampshire firefighters were allegedly involved in a public punch-up at a Christmas party in Poole.

Members of the public said they were "appalled" to see firemen throwing punches and swearing loudly at the Sandbanks Hotel bash.

Two Hampshire stations, Eastleigh and St Mary's, had booked parties at the Banks Road hotel on Saturday night.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue said they had received no complaints about the incident but were investigating the allegations.

One guest staying at the hotel for the weekend said the firefighters' behaviour was "a disgrace".

"There was fisticuffs, shoving and loud swearing," said the guest from Croydon, who asked not to be named.

"It was not what you expect from firemen at all.

"My family's evening was totally ruined, as it was for many others."

A member of the Sandbanks Hotel staff admitted there had been "a few incidents" on Saturday night.

But Michael Clitheroe, manager at the hotel, attempted to play down the ruckus.

He said the hotel was always a popular destination for Christmas parties and that "many people enjoyed a great night" on Saturday.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said no disciplinary measures had been taken as yet.

"We have been made aware of an incident that took place at a Dorset venue at the weekend involving off-duty firefighters," said the spokesman.

"No complaint has been made to us about this incident.

"However, we will be discussing it with our personnel and investigating it further, as well as reminding them of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's values."

Dorset Police said they were not called to any incident at the Sandbanks Hotel on Saturday night.

St Mary's was the station that was home to the two Hampshire firemen killed in a Southampton tower block blaze in April - James Shears, from Poole, and Alan Bannon.