Popular gay club Heaven has been shut down by the Metropolitan Police after one of its patrons reported a rape.

The club’s alcohol license has been suspended for up to 28 days by Westminster Council until a full hearing can take place, following a request from the police on public safety grounds.

The means of suspension heaven it will not be able to open for the next 28 days and may be permanently closed.

In an initial hearing on Friday (November 15), the council heard how a woman was allegedly raped near the venue by a member of Heaven’s security staff earlier this month, but was reportedly ignored by other members of staff when he tried to report the attack.

The security guard, who has been named as Morenikeji Adewole from Dartford, was arrested and charged with rape.

“Following a request from the Metropolitan Police and taking into account evidence from both the police and the operator, the council’s licensing committee has decided to suspend Heaven’s license for 28 days.” a council spokesman told the BBC.

“We recognize the cultural importance of this site, but the committee agreed that this step was necessary to prevent serious crime and protect the public. A full licensing hearing will take place in December where both the police and venue management will have the opportunity to present new evidence.”

“This case is currently the subject of an ongoing police investigation and we are unable to comment further at this stage,” they added.

The Metropolitan Police also issued a statement addressing the club’s closure, saying it “follows another incident in May, when three members of the venue’s security team were filmed assaulting a customer in the street”, adding that both incidents “raise serious concerns” about the club’s ability to to protect customers.

Following the suspension, Heaven posted on Instagram to say that they are “considering their position on an appeal”.

The post continued: “We are upset by this allegation but cannot comment as it is an ongoing criminal investigation. We can only send our thoughts to the alleged victim. Our priority is to put new procedures in place to ensure nothing like this can happen again and to earn the trust of the Council as we move forward.”

Heaven is located on Villiers Street in Charing Cross and has been open since 1979. It is considered a haven for the LGBTQ+ community in London.