Nightclub shut down following shooting
Published: 18 December 2010
by TOM JACKSON
POLICE have used emergency powers to shut down a Clerkenwell nightclub after a man in his 20s was shot following reports of a mass brawl at the venue in the early hours of Sunday.
The nightclub Ghost has been closed pending a review of its licence by Islington Council’s licensing committee. About the same time of the brawl at Ghost a south London hospital contacted police to say they were treating a man for a shotgun wound.
Police believe the two incidents are connected. No arrests have been made, no weapon has been recovered and police are appealing for information. Meanwhile, the man wounded at the club remains in a stable condition.
Since the club opened in February it has attracted a raft of complaints from residents . Two weeks ago residents took their concerns to the club’s ownership at a public meeting. Problems reported at weekends include noise, broken glass and litter.
Owner David Serlui said: “There was an incident on Sunday which the police are investigating. We have been open since February 2009 working closely with the local community to address any genuine concerns that it has. We are not going to comment further at this time.”
Lib Dem Clerkenwell ward councillor said: “I’m unequivocally of the view that the licence should be revoked. That’s my own personal observation.”
Officers from Trident – who investigate gun crime for the Metropolitan Police – are investigating. Anyone with information should call 020 8733 4774 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.