Video footage has since been published on social media which appears to show one of the security guards saying to Mr Stephens: “Shut up, you puff.” But he claimed Mr Stephens and the group of campaigners had themselves subjected security staff to verbal abuse when they went on to the pier on Saturday afternoon. He also disputed Mr Stephens' claim the group of campaigners did not let off the flares until after they left the venue. He said: “Mr Stephens and his group were initially stopped in the outside ride area, where they were politely asked to leave the site and informed Clacton Pier is privately owned. Mr Brown stressed Clacton Pier does not condone the use of homophobic language by anyone.