A NIGHTCLUB at the centre of a murder investigation has had its license temporarily suspended at the request of police, after the owner received threats it would be burned down with people inside.

And the owners of the Bijou Nightclub and Cocktail Bar, in Chapel Lane, Bingley, have indicated they will not be reopening it.

An application was made by West Yorkshire Police to Bradford Council for a summary licence review, which was heard by the Bradford Council Licensing Panel on Friday.

It called for Bijou's licence to be temporarily suspended ahead of a full review hearing, which is expected to take place next month.

The rare application, which can only be made by police, is to fast-track a review of a premises licence where the police consider that the premises are associated with serious crime or serious disorder.

In the application, submitted by Superintendent Daniel Greenwood, it said following the incident on November 25, when James Etherington, 24, was assaulted - and subsequently died from his injuries ten days later - the community has been “very vocal”.

He said: “There have been messages left on social media calling for action to be taken against the club and a petition has also been set up for the closure of the premises.

“Threats have been made to persons and property since the incident, which have included threats to smash windows and firebomb the club as well as attack home addresses.

“Further threats have been received since the death of the victim, including threats the club will be burned with persons inside and that the building would be shot at.

“The premises is located close to the town centre and there are residents living nearby. Any acts of disorder, arson or other violence would have a major impact on those living in the vicinity and put members of the public in harm.”

He requested Bijou’s licence be suspended as there are “genuine concerns that retribution will be sought for the death of the young man the premises would be the centre of the retribution”.

He added the licence holder, Rory Proctor, has informed the police he believes the threats are genuine.

Speaking at the hearing at City Hall, PC Kevin Lord, Bradford District licensing officer, described how Mr Etherington was found lying outside Bijou unconscious and bleeding heavily from his head.

He said Mr Etherington had been ejected from the club and then assaulted and a murder investigation was continuing to establish the facts.

PC Lord said: “There has always been opposition to the club in Bingley since it opened.

“Every time an incident related to or presumed to be related to the premises there has been public outcry.

“The circumstances in this case are quite exceptional, and due to the particular circumstances we believe there is no option but to suspend the licence.”

After deliberating for about ten minutes, committee chairman Councillor Malcolm Slater together with Councillor Brian Morris and Councillor Martin Smith, decided the police’s evidence was “compelling enough to suspend the licence”.

Cllr Slater said: “Having considered the evidence from police, the premises’ licence is suspended with immediate effect.”

Mr Proctor was not present at the meeting.

But a statement on Bijou’s Facebook page states: “Due to the extremely sad news and the tragic outcome of a recent event that has taken place outside the venue, the owners have made the decision to close Bijou Cocktail bar & nightclub.

“The directors feel that given the circumstances and considering the feelings of the family and those closest to them that closing Bijou is the right thing to do.

“The responsibility of the building itself has been handed over to a new agent and what will become of the building in the future is unknown.

“We hope that the police, together with the courts can examine all the evidence and arrive at a conclusion as soon as possible, to serve justice and hold anyone involved accountable for their own actions.

“We as human beings understand that emotions are high, and we will fully support, contribute and co-operate with any future prosecutions should any individual be found to have acted unlawfully. This we can guarantee.

“It goes without saying that we are devastated by this event and that our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this time. Thank you.”