Partygoers flee across ROOFTOPS after police raid illegal nightclub
Shocking moment dozens of partygoers flee across ROOFTOPS after police raid illegal nightclub packed with 150 attendees
- Thermal imaging from drones captured revellers leaving venue in Birmingham
- Separate bodycam footage showed officers forcing their way into the site
- It is thought that more than 50 people made their getaway as police arrived
- Further 70 attendees issued with £200 fines and DJ could get £10,000 penalty
This is the shocking moment dozens of partygoers fled across rooftops after officers raided an illegal nightclub packed with 150 attendees.
Thermal imaging from police drones captured revellers attempting to leave the venue near Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter via the roof in the early hours of Sunday.
Separate bodycam footage showed officers forcing their way into the site where they found the party, which boasted a VIP area and a DJ, spread across two floors.
It is thought that more than 50 people made their getaway as police arrived.
A further 70 attendees were issued with £200 fines and the DJ could now face his own £10,000 penalty.
West Midlands Police had received a tip that part of the building on Buckingham Street had been turned into a bar despite ongoing lockdown restrictions.
Officers went to assess the scene to find multiple taxis dropping people outside.
They forced entry into the venue to find the bar before also being confronted with a dance room, recording studio and gym.
Some officers were pelted with bottles and one suffered a minor injury from a door as it was smashed open by people trying to break out.
Thermal imaging from police drones captured revellers attempting to leave the venue near Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter via the roof in the early hours of Sunday
Among the chaotic shouts one woman admitted: ‘I also have a professional job, so its embarrassing that I’m here.’
In all, more than 50 people are believed to have fled across the roof but a further 70 were issued with £200 fines.
The DJ could now face a £10,000 penalty.
Separate bodycam footage showed officers forcing their way into the site where they found the party, which boasted a VIP area and a DJ, spread across two floors
They forced entry into the venue to find the bar before also being confronted with a VIP area (left), a dance room, recording studio (right) and gym
It comes after a similar raid on Saturday night as officers discovered a garage workshop had been turned into a make-shift pub – complete with a sign on the wall – The Covid Arms.
Police used their discretion to allow the dozen people inside to leave but the owner was hit with a £1,000 fine.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said: ‘Our officers continue to work long and hard to protect the public and reduce the spread of this deadly virus by breaking up these gatherings, often in really difficult circumstances.
It comes after a similar raid on Saturday night as officers discovered a garage workshop had been turned into a make-shift pub – complete with a sign on the wall – The Covid Arms.
‘It’s unacceptable that our officers came under attack, and that one suffered a minor injury, just for doing their job and enforcing laws that are in place to keep us all safe.
‘While there’s much to be hopeful of in terms of the rollout of coronavirus vaccines, people must remember that we are still in lockdown and the virus is still a real threat to communities across the West Midlands.
‘We thank those people who are supporting our efforts to keep the public safe by sticking to the rules and staying home. They are saving lives.’
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