Police are scouring CCTV after reports that up to 30 passengers helped themselves to booze for hours at an airport bar after the taps were left on by mistake.
The passengers - believed to be waiting on a flight to Ireland - are being investigated by Merseyside police following allegations of theft of a large quantity of alcohol from a UK airport bar.
It is alleged that a group of up to 30 racing fans had helped themselves to alcohol from a closed bar at Liverpool John Lennon Airport last Wednesday night, March 16, while waiting on their departure flight.
It is understood the group had attended the Cheltenham racing festival earlier that day.
The Kissing Gate bar in the departures lounge was closed at the time while the group were in the airport awaiting their departure flight.
A short video shared widely on social media showed a snippet of the alleged incident.
The person videoing the departures lounge where the bar is located is heard commenting: “Have you seen this? Everyone is just pouring their own gargle. This place is closed for about four hours,” the male laughed.
Merseyside Police, who have launched an investigation into the theft, confirmed a large quantity of alcohol was stolen from the bar and confirmed an investigation has been launched.
In a statement to The Mirror yesterday, Merseyside Police said: “At around 10.45pm on Wednesday, March 16 Merseyside Police received a report of theft from the Kissing Gate bar at Liverpool John Lennon airport.
“It was reported that a group of around 30 people stole a large quantity of alcohol from the bar.”
Merseyside Police also confirmed CCTV enquiries to identify those responsible for the alleged incident “remain ongoing.”
SSP Group Plc - which runs the food and beverage outlets at Liverpool John Lennon Airport -said they are aware of the incident and are cooperating with the police on their investigation.
And spokesperson for Liverpool John Lennon Airport told The Mirror: “Liverpool John Lennon Airport is aware of an incident at one of the bars operated by a food and beverages operator in the Departure Lounge last week and this is being investigated further."
There had been reports that cash was left behind the bar to pay for the alcohol. However, this has been disputed by Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
“Those who allegedly stole goods have been caught on CCTV which has been reviewed by Merseyside Police and contrary to some reports, money for drinks taken was not left behind the bar,” the airport statement continued.
Read more: Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead reflect on "fantastic" Cheltenham Festival
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