A PUB has been closed down following reports of serious crime and disorder taking place on the premises.

Merseyside Police requested a review of The Duke, formerly known as The Duke of Cambridge, on Duke Street with St Helens Borough Council sub-committee, and a hearing took place last month which resulted in the immediate suspension of its licence.

There had been 20 serious incidents of crime and disorder over three months - ranging from assaults to sex offences, say police.

A further review hearing took place on December 28 at St Helens Town Hall, and the decision was taken to suspend the pub’s licence for three months.

A submission of evidence by the police was marked restricted, meaning it cannot be accessed and reported on by the Star.

However, police have now issued a statement setting out an explanation for their reasons it has been shut.

'Assault, theft, drug use and sexual offences'

In a statement, Community Sergeant for St Helens, Julia Harrison said: “We have been monitoring The Duke which has been a hotspot of reported incidents on the premises, which has been a cause for concern to us.

“We felt that a review of its licence was necessary as we received 20 reported incidences of serious crime and disorder such as assault, theft, drug use and sexual offences on the premises in the past year.

“Despite numerous attempts to engage with the licensee, continuous breaches in licensing conditions continued at the premises.

“However since its closure we have seen a positive impact over the Christmas and New Year period in the town with a reduction of incidents reported to us in the night time.

“We hope this sends a clear message to any other licensed premises that robust action will be taken when issues arise.

“St Helens has achieved Purple Flag status which recognises the town as being a safe place for people to visit and enjoy a good night out.

"We are determined to keep this status, which highlights the excellent partnership work between Merseyside Police and the local authority.”

Police have previously taken similar action  in recent years against nearby pubs, with Mollie's Bar and Breeze bar both shutdown due to crimes.

To report an incident contact Merseyside Police's social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also call or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.