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.