A pub was forced to close after a "serious assault" led to two men being arrested.
Police were called to reports of a disturbance at The Bard pub in Prescot at 8pm last night (Saturday). People reported seeing a large police presence at the scene and a cordon in place outside the pub.
Knowsley Police said officers have arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of assault and a 49-year-old on suspicion of affray. Both men remain in custody this morning.
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A spokesperson for the Bard said staff who were working last night are shaken up after the incident and the pub will remain closed until further notice. The pub said in a statement on its Facebook page: "Thank you to everyone who has messaged myself, staff and our social media. We are all fine, a bit shaken up but we're all fine
"We won't be open today. A serious assault occurred in the Bard last night. This is the first (and hopefully last) time anything like this happens in our little micropub.
"I have worked in The Bard for 4 years, having taken ownership during the last 18 months. We have never experienced anything like this since The Bard opened in 2018.
"Anyone who has ever been in The Bard knows this would be the last place to expect anything like this to happen. We pride ourselves on having a chilled, family friendly atmosphere for people who love a good natter and some great beer.
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"Sadly, it happens far too often in the hospitality industry and is far too common in the local area. We would like apologise to anyone who is inconvenienced by our closing but I am sure under the circumstances you will understand.
"I would also like to ask if people could refrain from asking myself or any staff 'details' about the incident. It is not a soap opera, it is real life.
"So please be respectful, especially to those who witnessed the incident. At the end of the day, people were hurt so please, again, be respectful.
"It has been a wake up call for myself and the business and we will do our utmost going forward, working with emergency services and other hospitality establishments to protect our community and ensure nothing like this ever happens again.
"We will be closed until further notice and will keep you posted when we are able to reopen."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police quoting the reference: 23000362230. You can report any information to the Merseyside Police contact centre on 101 or you can pass information on anonymously via crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact them via their online form https://orlo.uk/Vi9Ky
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