Rhys Jones murder pub has licence suspended

A three-month closure order has been served on the Liverpool pub where 11 year-old Rhys Jones was murdered last August.

The Fir Tree, in Croxteth Park, which is owned by Enterprise Inns was closed on February 5 after its licence was suspended pending a full review. Licensee Keith Doyle and his family have been banned from entering the premises.

It is understood there has been problems with drugs, gangs and underage children on the premises.

Superintendent Ian Pilling from Merseyside Police said: "We are pleased that this pub has now been closed.

"We have had concerns for some time over the manner in which it was being locally managed. The action taken is in response to community concerns raised about the running of the pub."

A spokeswoman for Enterprise said: "Enterprise have and continue to work closely and cooperate with the Merseyside Police in relation to the operation of the Fir Tree at Croxteth.

"There will be a period of closure during which we will be seeking to identify a new operator who is able to meet the needs of the business and deal robustly with the local issues. Our objective here is to restore this public house for the benefit of the local community which it should serve."