A HOLIDAY in Majorca ended in outrage for four young Bolton men who were thrown out of their hotel and left to sleep on the beach for three nights.

Nicholas Whittaker, Andrew Iddon and Gavin Wells, all 19, and Mark Jones 22, were horrified when they returned to their apartment and found it had been broken into.

But they had no idea of the trouble that lay ahead.

The four called security guards and police but were left stunned when THEY ended up on the street.

They claim the security guards did not want to listen to any explanations and threatened violence, so they had no option but to pack their belongings and leave.

Passports were confiscated by the police until they paid 10,000 pesetas (£50) to the security guards to repair a broken mirror and a damaged lock.

The four then claim they were unable to get any help from their hotel rep and had to spend the remaining three nights of their £340 holiday on the streets with their belongings.

They had travelled to Magaluf for a two-week stay at the Oasis Tropico with Portland Direct. When they got home, their parents sent a letter of complaint, seeking compensation from Portland.

But the company has refused.

Gavin's mother, Audrey Wells, of Duxbury Avenue, Little Lever, said: "The boys were never given the chance to explain what had happened."

The four believe they are being blamed for staging the break in to cover up damage they were suspected of causing to the apartment but they are adamant they found the room ransacked.

Mrs Wells said: "They found the furniture overturned and a mirror smashed when they returned from being out all day.

"The police only spoke to the security guards who said Nicholas had earlier smashed the room up, even though he had never been in it as the door was locked.

"The Portland rep did not even give the group a chance to talk to her.

"They were left on the streets without enough money to find other accommodation. They had all their belongings with them in their suitcases and had to carry them around for fear of theft."

A Portland Travel spokesman said: "Portland feels it has made the right decision based on all the facts. We have reviewed the case and still feel the same way.

"Portland certainly refutes any comments against our rep. She is one of our best.

"With regard to the threat of violence against the boys, the hotel management has refuted that utterly.

"It is always distressing when incidents like this occur, but there has to be a balance between our clients and the hotel staff. At the end of the day, asking guests to leave is the hotel's independent decision."

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