A GIRL under 16 has been “sexually assaulted” at a city centre nightclub.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of raping the girl at a nightclub in Digbeth, Birmingham last Sunday.
West Midlands Police have launched an urgent investigation into the assault, which was held on premises they say are “associated with serious crime or serious disorder or both”.
The man has since been released on bail while inquiries continue.
Meanwhile, the venue’s premises licence has been suspended, pending a full review and its supervisor, Anthony Bethune, removed from his role.
The force said: “On Sunday, July 27, the venue was open and trading.
“During the nights trading a serious assault took place inside the venue.
“This matter is a serious crime by virtue of the sentence tariff for the offence alleged.
“West Midlands Police have serious concerns for the promotion of the licensing objectives at this premises.
“The premises have been carrying out licensable activity when the incident occurred and the premises has been in breach of its operating conditions of its premises licence.
“In my opinion immediate steps are required that can best be achieved through the summary review procedures.”
Birmingham City Council’s committee chairman, Cllr Saddak Miah said: “The licensing committee considered that the interim steps of the removal of the designated premises supervisor from the licence.
“And suspending the licence was required to effectively address the problem that no alternative power would be appropriately address the situation to protect the public.”
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