Police close Thwaites pub after 20-man brawl

Police closed a Thwaites-owned Blackburn pub 24-hours last weekend following a 20-man brawl.

Officers were called to the White Bull pub in Livesey Branch Road last Sunday and used their powers to close the pub for 24 hours.

The closure was extended after a hearing at Blackburn magistrates on 27 April.

"Decisions to close licensed premises are always carefully considered and treated very seriously," licensing officer PC Steve Finley.

"On this occasion, the action was taken to prevent further crime and disorder and for public safety."

Three people including a 16-year-old girl, a 20 year-old man and a 39 year old man were arrested for on suspicion of public order offences.

The 16 and 20-year-old were both given fixed penalty notices and the 39-year-old man was bailed pending further enquiries.

The pub will now be subject to a license review led by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Andrew Buchanan, director of pub operations at Thwaites, said: "Daniel Thwaites take very seriously all incidents involving its pubs which could prove both harmful to customers and public safety. We therefore support the decision taken by Lancashire Police to close the pub on Sunday evening.

"As of Monday 27 April, Hugh Litherland, the previous licensee of the pub returned to take over its management.

"Hugh managed the pub very successfully for 11 years up until May 2005. Local residents have expressed their delight at Hugh's return and we are certain under his management that the pub will once again return to being the heart of the community."