DETECTIVES are hunting a group of men who were involved in a suspected firearm incident at a Chester pub.
Police were called out after a fight broke out at the Waggon and Horses, in Blacon, at about 1am on Saturday.
It is believed a number of men aged between 20 and 35 were involved, with at least one of them brandishing a “lethal weapon”.
Witnesses reported seeing about six police cars and a search helicopter in the area around the pub.
Insp Steve Beddows said: “There was a serious public disorder incident at the Waggon and Horses on Saturday morning. We believe a number of males were involved in an altercation. There is a suspicion a lethal weapon was involved.”
He added: “There is significant police presence in Blacon to reassure the community. We have assessed concerns and are monitoring that closely, and we are also making sure we are highly visible in the area so residents can come forward to speak to us if they feel the need to.”
Insp Beddows also said there were “concerns” in the way the incident was reported.
“The incident itself and the way in which the police received notice has raised concerns for us to the point where we have sought clarification from the management of those premises,” he said.
Meanwhile, the pub was closed down on Saturday but was reopened yesterday after changes to its licencing conditions were enforced.
Sitting in West Cheshire Magistrates Court, District Judge Nicholas Sanders, ordered the pub must now cease to sell alcohol after 11pm and close by 11.30pm, the entrances must be guarded by doormen from 7pm and door staff had to be equipped with hand held metal detectors.
In addition, entry into the pub would be conditional on submitting to a search, and the premises’ licence would be transferred to Marstons PLC.