Spectators have vented their fury after hundreds struggled to leave an Olly Murs concert because a gate was locked.

The Witham star performed alongside Pixie Lott and Diana Vickers at Hylands Park on Sunday in front of thousands of fans.

But as people tried to leave after the gig finished at around 9pm, they found a lit pathway led to a locked gate normally used as an exit near St Mary’s Church.

Fans had to either climb over the gate or leave one by one through a stile.

Police were eventually called in to help people leave the park.

A Chelmsford Council spokesman said: “Our park manager reported the gate had been unlocked in the afternoon ready for the exiting crowds, but perhaps someone thought it would be funny to lock the padlock again.

“We are not 100 per cent sure what happened, but do apologise for any inconvenience caused.”