Police footage captured the moment party-goers tried to flee as an illegal nightclub in Birmingham was raided.
Around 150 people were found in the packed venue across two floors of a building near Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter on Saturday night (February 13).
Thermal cameras showed dozens of people trying to escape over the roof of the illegal nightclub, which boasted a VIP area and a DJ.
Officers handed out around 70 fines of £200 for Covid-19 law breaches while the DJ is now facing a £10,000 penalty, West Midlands Police said.
Police raided the venue after taxis were spotted dropping people off at the location on Buckingham Street.
Officers were pelted with bottles and one suffered a minor injury after a door was smashed open by people trying to break out.
As well as the bar, with neon signs and a dance room, officers came across a recording studio and gym.
Assistant chief constable Chris Todd said: “Our officers continue to work long and hard to protect the public and reduce the spread of this deadly virus by breaking up these gatherings, often in really difficult circumstances.
“It’s unacceptable that our officers came under attack, and that one suffered a minor injury, just for doing their job and enforcing laws that are in place to keep us all safe."
On the same night, West Midlands Police also discovered punters in a garage workshop that had been turned into 'The Covid Arms' in Dudley Port.
The force said officers used their discretion to allow the dozen people in there to leave.
However, the owner was hit with a £1,000 fine for breaching coronavirus regulations.
Assistant chief constable Todd added: “While there’s much to be hopeful of in terms of the rollout of coronavirus vaccines, people must remember that we are still in lockdown and the virus is still a real threat to communities across the West Midlands.
“We thank those people who are supporting our efforts to keep the public safe by sticking to the rules and staying home. They are saving lives.”
