A nightclub whose customers were involved in a 20-man brawl has had its licence suspended.

Acting in support of a police request, Epping Forest district council moved to suspend the licence of The Villa nightclub in Cottis Lane.

Planks of wood, broken bottles and metal railings were all used as weapons during the mass brawl outside the club on Sunday morning, which left a man fighting for his life.

The fight in the early hours left two other men with facial injuries and “minor puncture wounds”.

Police have said all casualties are now recovering.

Members of the council's licensing committee suspended the licence pending a further full review of the premises licence, which must take place by March 31.

Committee chairman Cllr Ken Angold-Stephens said: "The police have gathered clear and compelling evidence of a serious breakdown of law and order on Saturday night.

“No one wants to close down local businesses but the safety and security of our residents outweighs every other priority.

"Further evidence and statutory consultations will be gathered over the next few weeks after which we will review the position again."

High-quality pictures from the council's CCTV cameras have been provided to the police as they work to identify those involved.

Council leader Chris Whitbread said: "There is no place for the kind of behaviour we witnessed last Saturday on the streets of our district.

"I am very grateful to the police and the members of the Licensing Committee for the their very swift response."

Police said they would be patrolling Epping as normal with no other extra resources deployed this weekend following the assault that left a man in his 20s in a critical condition.

Chief Inspector Denise Morrissey said: “The disorder in Epping High Street last Sunday was totally unacceptable and we have taken immediate action to address that in partnership with the council.

“Three people needed hospital treatment for injuries and our investigation into those assaults is continuing."

The Licensee of The Villa nightclub has been informed of the council decision and will have an opportunity to make representations as part of the further review process.

The Villa have refused to comment to The Guardian.