Police raid “packed” illegal nightclub area in Birmingham

Police raided an illegal nightclub in Birmingham at the weekend that was packed with about 150 people inside, and had a DJ, bar and a VIP area.

Revellers inside threw bottles at officers when they arrived inside the building. Police can be heard shouting “missiles” in footage released of the raid.

One police officer suffered a minor injury when a door was smashed open by people attempting to flee, and thermal imaging captured people trying to escape over the roof.

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Police issued around 70 fines of £200 to people present and the DJ playing faces a fine of £10,000.

A search of the building on Buckingham Street in the city’s Jewellery Quarter also found a recording studio and gym inside. Police had been tipped off to the location after taxis were seen dropping people off outside.

On the same night in Dudley Port, West Midlands Police found 13 people drinking inside a garage workshop that had been turned into a bar calling itself ‘The COVID Arms’. The owner was issued with a £1,000 fine.

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In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd reminded people that lockdown continues and COVID-19 is still a threat, saying: "Our officers continue to work long and hard to protect the public and reduce the spread of this deadly virus by breaking up these gatherings, often in really difficult circumstances.

"It's unacceptable that our officers came under attack, and that one suffered a minor injury, just for doing their job and enforcing laws that are in place to keep us all safe.

"While there's much to be hopeful of in terms of the rollout of coronavirus vaccines, people must remember that we are still in lockdown and the virus is still a real threat to communities across the West Midlands.

"We thank those people who are supporting our efforts to keep the public safe by sticking to the rules and staying home. They are saving lives."

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View footage of the incidents below.

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Features Editor, follow him on Twitter

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