A safety watchdog is to make inquiries into last month's chaotic Fatboy Slim concert, which drew 250,000 people to Brighton beach.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it was conducting initial checks after receiving an undisclosed number of complaints following the free Big Beach Boutique II event.

A spokesman, who refused to reveal the nature of the complaints, said it was too early to say whether there would be a larger investigation.

He said: "We are looking to make sure any lessons to be learnt from this concert are taken on board."

Brighton and Hove was overwhelmed as 250,000 revellers descended on the city for the free beach party on July 13.

Overstretched emergency services ordered star DJ Fatboy Slim, real name Norman Cook, to cut short his set amid fears for the safety of the huge crowd.

About 160 people were injured during the night.

A spokesman for Big Beach Boutique, which organised the concert, said it did not think there was any need to comment at this stage.

The council said it would help the HSE with any inquiries but there had so far been no indication there would be an investigation.

Brighton-based safety consultant Hugh Jones said there should be an inquiry into how the party was organised.

Green councillor Keith Taylor, whose calls for an emergency council debate in the wake of the concert were rebuffed, asked for co-operation with any investigation.