A NORTH Essex politician witnessed the aftermath of a party on London's tube system.

The celebrations were to mark the introduction of an alcohol ban by London's new mayor Boris Johnson on the Tube, buses, Docklands Light Railway and tram services across the capital on Sunday.

Saturday night's celebrations turned sour and 17 people were arrested and six stations closed down.

Initially, there was a celebratory mood but eyewitnesses reported nightmarish scenes on trains and in stations as thousands of drunken partygoers began fighting and vomiting as the night drew to a conclusion.

Kevin Bentley, a Colchester councillor who lives in West Mersea, had returned from a concert to Liverpool Street station via taxi at about 11.30pm to find it had been almost completely closed off.

"The scene of devastation was extraordinary," he said.

"The first thing that hit you when you walked in was the overwhelming smell of alcohol.

"From one end to the other was nothing but bottles, glass, rubbish and carrier bags.

"I could see about 20 or 30 railway staff trying to clear it up. I spoke to a policeman and he said it was a party that was out of control."