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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Kit Heren

Eight arrested after 100 drinkers barricade themselves inside Liverpool pub

Britannia Hotel Pub in Liverpool (Picture: Google Maps)

Police arrested eight people after being called to break up a 100-person illegal gathering at a Liverpool pub.

Officers were bombarded with bottles and beer after they arrived at the Royal Britannia in the Vauxhall area of the city, they said.

The police were called at around 12.30 am on Monday after noise complaints and reports that more than 100 people had gathered in the pub.

The Royal Britannia has since lost its licence. Pubs have not been allowed to open since March to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

Seven men and a woman, between the ages of 21-33, were arrested for violent disorder and drugs offences.

Detective Inspector Phil Atkinson of Merseyside Police said: “This is appalling behaviour and saddens me to see officers being put at risk from those flouting Government guidelines.

“Restrictions have been eased but by no means is this pandemic over and nor should we treat it like it is.

“Regardless of the current climate, throwing things at officers will never be accepted. Eight people were arrested and prosecution is likely."

Pubs have been closed since March (Louis Hansel )

He added that if people had kept to the coronavirus lockdown rules, police could have spent their time more productively."

Mr Atkinson continued: “I hope those who both hosted and attended this event think twice about their actions and will avoid these gatherings in the future...

“Anyone with information on those hosting or attending these unlicensed events should contact us at @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously.”

Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Tuesday that pubs can reopen from July 4.

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