Organisers of the Harlequin Christmas lights turn-on have come under fire for the overcrowding at last night's popular annual event.

According to police, a "higher than expected" turnout of some 8,000 spectators braved heavy rain and plunging temperatures as celebrity dance group Diversity turned on the lights.

However, while many shrieking young fans clearly had a great time it appears a minority experienced worrying overcrowding.

Several Watford Observer readers got in contact this morning to lambast the event’s organisers, police and security staff for allowing the event to become "unsafe".

One internet reader said: “My kids were literally trampled on. The children couldn’t even see anything and most people with children left as it was unsafe.”

Another reported: “I am thankful that there was no emergency as everyone was squashed in. People were rude, pushing and shoving, not taking into consideration the younger children."

As we reported last night, several young children were pulled from the crowd by police officers and repeated warnings were given by organisers for the crowds, gathered by the front of the shopping centre, to move back.

At one point an announcement was made warning the event would be cancelled unless the congestion eased.

A Harlequin spokesman said: "As with any large public event, the Christmas Lights Switch On was planned with local safety organisations and the police to ensure all the relevant safety measures were in place.

"The layout of the area had been planned with crowd control barriers that assisted in managing the space for the viewing public. Public safety was considered at all times throughout the show.

"We received a lot of positive feedback from the public on the night of the event, who were thrilled to have had a chance to see the hugely popular dance group.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "This year higher numbers of people attended than were expected, and extra resources were called up on deal with the large numbers of people in the crowd.

Due to these high numbers, a small amount of people were assessed by St John’s Ambulance, however it is believed that no one required hospital treatment.

Were you at the event? Did you have a great time or did you experience overcrowding? Let us know by commenting below or contact the newsroom on 01923 216 372.