A GRAYS bar has had its licence suspended after allegations following an assault on a customer by a man using a knuckleduster.

Thurrock Council's licensing committee held a hearing about Banjo's bar in Maidstone Road following a request from Essex Police to temporarily suspend its licence while they investigate the assault allegations.

In a letter to the committee Supt Mark Barker said a serious crime had been committed at the venue, which he said was now calling itself The Club.

Mr Barker said: "This assault is alleged to have occurred after the victim had been drinking at the premises."

Following the attack police said they were forced to get a warrant to gain entry to the bar where they found a CS gas cannister.

Mr Barker said: "Despite making requests for support this has not been forthcoming and as such police were forced to attend court and obtain a search warrant to recover the CCTV evidence

A search of the premises was undertaken during which the premises' CCTV machines were seized. Whilst lawfully on the premises a cannister of CS gas, a prohibited item, was located."

A suspect has now been arrested and charged with causing actual bodily harm.

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In addition Essex police informed the committee they are aware of a change in name of Designated Premises Supervisor from the current registered premises licence holder.

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said: "The decision was to suspend the licence with immediate effect. A full review of the licence will take place within 28 days from the original police application, where the long term future of the licence will be considered."