Police request fast-track review on alleged assault

POLICE have requested a fast-track review into The Empire following an alleged assault.

Officers investigating the reported incident outside the Middlesbrough nightclub on Saturday have confirmed that a licensing hearing for the Corporation Road venue is set to take place today.

The alleged assault took place around 11.20pm – with a video shared across social media appearing to show a man being “dropped on his head” next to a curb.

Onlookers filmed the incident taking place and asked people to “share the hell” out of the video, which was branded as “disgusting” online.

Cleveland Police arrested a man, aged 39, on suspicion of GBH with intent – who has since been bailed – and launched an appeal to trace the victim.

The force confirmed yesterday that officers believe they have now identified the victim, who has thankfully not been seriously injured.

Now, a public notice has been placed on Middlesbrough Council’s website for an “application for review of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003” confirming it is for The Empire.

Police said on Tuesday that it was liaising with the nightclub and the Security Industry Authority (SIA), a regulator of the UK’s private security industry, while investigations continue. The Empire released a statement confirming it is “fully cooperating with Cleveland Police and will provide any requested evidence”. A spokesperson previously said the club is “aware of the video circulating on social media” and added: “Due to the ongoing police investigation, we are unable to provide extensive details at this time. We are fully cooperating with Cleveland Police and will provide any requested evidence.”

The latest police statement reads: “Since the incident came to light,

Cleveland Police and partner agencies have requested a fast-track review into the premises, with a licensing hearing taking place tomorrow.”

Witnesses to the incident are asked to contact Police on 101.