A nightclub in Dartford has been temporarily closed following disturbances and anti-social behaviour linked to the venue.

The Essex Road nightclub ‘ATIK’ has been served a Section 76 notice under the Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The application was heard at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 17 where the court granted an interim order ensuring the club will be closed until Thursday, September 30.

Licencing officers from Kent Police applied for the closure following several incidents inside and outside the nightclub which have happened in the last month.

During the temporary closure the club must ensure its doors are kept closed and no events take place inside.

The most recent incidents happened after the venue closed at 3am on Sunday, September 12.

Officers were patrolling the town when several disturbances took place in a car park near to the venue as people left the club.

One police officer was assaulted as he attempted to assist a man who had been assaulted by another man.

During the incident, the officer was punched in the head and another person was also reported to have behaved in an aggressive manner.

Another person was witnessed by officers being assaulted inside a car. This person did not require hospital treatment.

At around the same time a second police officer was assaulted while attempting to arrest a man who was seen fighting in the same car park.

Another man was also found unconscious in a car who was believed to have been assaulted.

Other incidents which have taken place during the last month include a theft of a mobile and wallet being reported inside the club, a noise complaint, a woman reporting her drink being spiked and a taxi driver reporting a man had jumped on his vehicle causing damage.

Superintendent Rob Marsh, Kent Police’s Deputy Divisional Commander for North Kent said: "We know that the consumption of alcohol can lead to increases in anti-social behaviour and we work with venues to prevent such incidents taking place.

"Unfortunately, events over the past month have led to us taking this action and we will continue to work with the venue to bring about a permanent resolution.

"We have a duty of care to ensure those who work, visit and live in the town feel safe to do so and in recent weeks we have become concerned around the level of incidents connected to the venue.

"Work will be ongoing to help address any concerns people have."

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