Police call nightclub licence review over violence

Six serious assaults took place at the RS Lounge in Woodford New Road, Walthamstow, last year, with many of the victims being stabbed, slashed or hospitalised.

On each occasion those involved refused to assist police.

Officers now fear a fatality at the nightspot and are applying to the council to cut opening hours back.

At present the bar can serve drinks until 2.30am at weekends and remain open until 3am, but police are recommending a 1pm closing time.

The nightclub has been praised for its co-operation with police, but officers believe action must be taken over the behaviour of its clientele.

In a report to the licensing committee, Licensing Officer Matt Brown detailed some of the incidents.

In March last year officers were called to the venue and found a man assaulted and lying in the middle of a group of around 30 people.

The RS Lounge in Walthamstow has been plagued by violent incidents

When he regained consciousness he said he had fallen.

The following month, staff had to restrain a man who turned up at the club with an axe.

In June, a man was admitted to hospital after being stabbed in the head and neck.

In August, a man was stabbed in the face and a drunk driver was found with a bloody t-shirt.

A man was stabbed in the torso in October.

According to police, many of those involved are not residents of Waltham Forest and have travelled to the area from inner London.

Police have called for a review of opening hours at RS Lounge

PC Brown said: “We are concerned that sooner or later there will be a stabbing which results in serious injury or a fatality. Reluctantly police see no alternative but to seek a review of the licence.”

The licence will be reviewed at 10am at the town hall in Walthamstow on Friday.

The interior of RS Lounge in Walthamstow, which is subject to a licence review