A PUB has been warned it faces enforcement action following a disturbance during which three police officers reported being assaulted.

On Sunday afternoon, residents raised concerns about the noise from a music event being held at The Friar, in St Christopher Road, Colchester.

Police were called to the scene at about 7.15pm following reports of a group fighting and glass bottles being thrown outside the pub.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We attended the scene and three of our officers reported being assaulted, with one being punched to the jaw.

“We arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of criminal damage and he remains in custody.”

The pub is in a residential area and ward councillor Mike Hogg reported residents’ concerns about the event to the environmental protection team at Colchester Council.

Gazette:

  • A wall near the pub was damaged 

He said: “Residents aren’t against people having a good time but there is a no need to have pounding music in a close knit community like this.

“People are entitled to party but when it impacts on the community, it is not on.”

Dave Harris, chairman of the council’s licensing committee, said he had written to Mike Gogarty, Essex County Council’s public health boss, to request further action against the pub is investigated.

He said: “We need to jump down on this as it is something we cannot be letting happen.

“We have had enough of this in Colchester. The good premises should be praised but those who break the rules must face consequences.”

Colchester Council’s public safety boss Mike Lilley added: “No matter how many times we get the word out about premises obeying the rules they are being ignored. We are not going to ignore this and we will be taking action.”

Pub owner Laura Lamb said she would work with the council and police on any issues.

She said: “We follow every code and guideline. We will not be having these events again. The marquee was set to stay through winter but it is coming down for good.

“I live round the corner myself and I don’t want to upset residents.”

Witnesses should contact police on 101 quoting reference 42/137753/20.