A SHOCKING insight into the sordid world of an illegal London lap-dancing club emerged this week through the eyes of a private detective.

The sleuth was hired by the council to investigate claims Harriet's Nightclub in Beckenham Road, Beckenham, was offering sex services.

And it was partly due to his sleazy revelations, and complaints about noise, the club and neighbouring Clockhouse pub lost their public entertainment's licences earlier this month.

The two venues are currently boarded up while freehold owner Punch Pubs decides what to do with the premises.

Arriving for a Friday night Gentleman's Evening in September last year, the investigator paid £10 membership and £15 to enter.

He then settled down with a non-alcoholic drink to watch several hours of pole-dancing by topless dancers.

At about 10pm, on being asked if he would like a private dance, the investigator agreed and followed a girl calling herself Mariane to a curtained cubicle.

In a report to licensing chiefs, he writes: "Inside was a single seat, a large bin and a box of what looked like tissues on the floor."

The investigator opted for the £40 "naked dance with touching" rather than the £20 "topless dance without touching".

He said: "Mariane danced in front of me at first removing her bra and then her panties.

"During the dance she placed her breasts in direct contact with my face, she encouraged me to place my hands on her hips, and gyrated herself in direct contact with my groin.

"Towards the end of the dance, she also kissed my neck and cheek and licked my ear in a provocative manner."

An hour later, he accepted another private dance, this time with Marina, again opting for the £40 "naked with touching" option.

He left at 12.17am and "made notes at the scene to aid memory", the report concludes.