A father has blasted McDonald's in Erith after his 14-year-old daughter said she was made to eat outside in the snow because of "policy".

Mark Haffenden demanded a refund after his daughter Lucy was reportedly asked to leave the restaurant because of a rule about school uniforms.

Lucy, along with a friend, ordered cheeseburger meals on Monday at about 5pm - while wearing their school uniforms.

Once they sat down, a McDonald's employee allegedly told them they couldn't have their dinner inside - instead turfing them outside into the freezing cold.

According to a McDonald's spokesman, this is because of of an anti-social behaviour policy.

Mr Haffenden, 51, said: "I think it is absolutely shocking. It's disgusting, they hadn't done anything wrong. We all know what the weather has been like, I can't believe they're allowed to make them get out.

"Even if there is a policy, surely they could have just said for today they can eat in - then I would have been thanking them, rather than having to get a refund."

Mr Haffendedn, from Erith, said his daughter rang him about being forced to leave and he went straight down there to confront the manager, who did offer the girls a refund.

"They told the server they wanted to eat in, so she found it weird when they were given a takeaway bag. They sat down and then someone comes over and tells them to leave - it's embarrassing, and really no way to treat customers."

The 'beast from the east' was in full swing on Monday and Londoners were battered by the cold and snow - with temperatures dipping to below freezing.

McDonald's said the Erith restaurant only allows two schoolchildren in the store at a time because of anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman said: "Customers are advised of this when purchasing, and food is provided in takeaway packaging.

"Whilst there is no indication that the girls mentioned were committing acts of anti-social behaviour the safety of our crew and customers is of the utmost importance to us and the policy is therefore enforced at all times.”