A Christmas grotto Santa has been branded a "disgrace" by parents after he tore off his beard and swore in front of children.

Organisers of the Father Christmas Grotto experience at the Corn Exchange in St Ives, Cambs have now apologised for "any offence or distress caused to parents and children".

He reportedly lost his cool after a smoke machine at a children's rave happening in the same building set off the fire alarm.

One shocked dad branded him a "disgrace", describing how he burst into the room, "ripped his hat and beard off" and shouted "get the f*** out".

Adam Gaynor took to social media to vent his frustration. He said: "The guy dressed as Santa at the Corn Exchange is an absolute disgrace.

"[The] fire alarm went off due to the smoke machine at the children's rave and everyone was in the process of clearing the room.

"He came changing [sic] in, ripped his hat and beard off in front of 50 odd kids and started shouting and swearing at people to leave.

"You should be ashamed of yourself acting like that in front of children. There is no way he should be allowed near a child."