A so-called family wrestling show descended into a bloodbath in which young audience members had to watch a "death match" with a garden strimmer. The reported events took place at the Conservative Club in Seaham, County Durham, on April 29.
The Colliery Championship Wrestling event is alleged to have taken a dark turn and photos of the event, headlined by British wrestlers Ronnie Thatcher and Blizzard, appear to show the pair covered in blood, the Daily Star reports. There are reports that wood, glass lighting tubes and even a garden strimmer were used.
Around 80 people – including many young families – were in attendance at the event, and the organiser has since apologised for the scenes.
READ MORE: Investigation launched into wrestling show at Seaham club after concerns raised
It comes after ChronicleLive reported that Durham County Council launched an investigation into the wrestling show after concerns were raised by members of the public. Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection, said: "We can confirm we have been made aware of concerns about a wrestling event at New Seaham Conservative Club on 29 April. Our licensing and health and safety teams are currently investigating and it would be inappropriate to comment further while these enquiries are ongoing."
James Barrass of Colliery Championship Wrestling, issued an apology but said the crowd had enjoyed it. “Things can sometimes not go to plan," he said. "I spoke to the two guys afterwards., we had discussions and obviously that will not be happening again. “We have apologised but how many times do you say sorry? How many times do you have to be penalised in life?
“They got looked after behind the scenes - a couple of scratches here and there. Blizzard was out having breakfast with his girlfriend the very next day. He said getting a new tattoo hurt him more."
The match was advertised in advance as a “three out of five doors match”. The posters also advertise family ticket prices of two adults and two children for £30.
Local police are now investigating the incident after video footage of the show went viral on social media thanks to fellow wrestler Benji, who said that the event was "not suitable for families".
"I've never seen this in my time in wrestling," he said. "I've been involved for seven years and I've never seen this type of ultra-violence in front of a family audience. If I see a family-friendly show advertised, I'm going in good faith that my child will be seeing what they see on TV."
A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: "We are working with Durham County Council's licensing team after a number of complaints were received by the local authority in relation to an event at Seaham Conservative Club on April 29. Inquiries are ongoing.”
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