A PUB landlord who is being investigated for staging erotic entertainment without permission has been accused of lying about a war injury to avoid co-operating with police.

Cameron Russell, of the Napier Arms in Woodford New Road, allegedly told officers he couldn't climb the stairs to fetch his premises licence after being hit by shrapnel while serving in the Army.

But when officers returned and spoke to Mr Russell's father Bill, they were told he had not suffered a war wound, but had a long-term injury caused by a motorcycle accident.

The claim was made in a letter sent by police to Redbridge Council, which is carrying out a review of the pub's licence after evidence emerged that regulations were being flouted.

It is claimed pub stays open beyond agreed hours and allows customers to smoke indoors, as well as holding pole dancing events.

In the letter, PC David Walker details how police repeatedly warned Mr Russell after in May twice finding a number of people buying alcohol when the pub should have closed for the night.

He also said there had been a "dramatic" change in the number of fights and disturbances reported recently.

The police claim they were lied to about a broken CCTV system, which they were told had not been working since footage was handed over to detectives investigating an allegation of rape.

Mr Russell later told police it was too expensive to replace the system.

Following repeated warnings, PC Walker said: "I served a notice under S19 Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 on the barmaid, as there were a number of people on the premises buying alcohol. The barmaid told me they wouldn't get it fixed; they were 'running the place into the ground'.

"He (Mr Russell) refuses to co-operate with the authorities, and indeed has shown contempt for the licensing authorities."

A total of eight people living near the pub have provided evidence to the council and have raised concerns over noise, anti-social behaviour of customers and nude dancing in a residential area.

Rachel Hunniford, 44, of Fullers Road, said: "I have two young children living with me at home. They are frequently disturbed by noise and are often frightened when they hear shouting and arguing in the pub car park which is directly outside their bedrooms."

The council will review the licence at a hearing on Monday (July 9), which could result in the pub being closed.

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