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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Adam Cailler & Graeme Murray

Britain's 'roughest nightclub' behind secret 'Red Door' is shut down

Britain's "roughest nightclub" hidden behind a secret red door has been shut down.

The Red Door in Birmingham was renowned for violent offences such as s tabbings, drug-deals and gang activity, according to police.

It was said to be operating illegally for months in an alleyway premises which was hidden from prying eyes,

The Daily Star reported it became well known in Birmingham, West Midlands, as being a hang out for gangsters.

A fight in October last year resulted in a man being stabbed 10 times and in another incident in June another victim was knifed in the leg which were among a series of violent attacks.

The venue had no planning permission, was not registered as a company and did not have a music licence or permission to sell alcohol (West Midlands Police / SWNS.COM)

Police say the place was notorious for deal drugs and there were reports of gunshots inside - several fights involving glasses had also been reported at the venue.

The premises had no planning permission, was not company registered and had no a music licence or alcohol sales permission.

West Midlands Police and chiefs at Birmingham City Council secured a closure order at Birmingham Magistrates Court this week.

Inspector Nick Hill said: "This will come as a huge relief to local residents whose lives have been blighted by the anti-social behaviour and crime this venue attracts.

"Clubs are bound by tight regulations to ensure customers are kept safe, such as security, CCTV and staff training, and disturbance is kept to a minimum for people living nearby.

"The main building was only approved for storage purposes only - but there was also a covered outdoor seating area, toilet block and kitchen.

"None of it had planning permission. We've been granted closure for three months initially but we'll be seeking permanent closure and potential demolition.

"Local police teams are working with our Gangs Unit to actively target anyone we suspect is linked to violence and organised crime.

The 'Red Door' was linked to a series of violent offences including stabbings, assaults, drug-dealing and gangland activity (West Midlands Police / SWNS.COM)

"We run regular suppression patrols to disrupt gang activity and operations to target people causing harm in our communities.

A utility company was contacted to make the site safe and said dodgy wiring at the "club" was potentially a risk to life.

Councillor John Cotton, cabinet member for social justice, community safety and equalities at Birmingham City Council was pleased the premises had been shot down because of its history.

He said: "We support this police action because unlicensed premises are, by definition, unregulated and we know there have been some significant concerns over this premises, so hope it shows we can work in partnership to keep our communities safe.

"We will continue to work with West Midlands Police to tackle issues relating to illegal and unlicensed activity, anti-social behaviour and public safety and ensure Birmingham's bars and clubs, as well the city's streets, are safe for all their visitors."

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