London’s popular Heaven nightclub has been closed for public safety reasons after a rape was reported, the Metropolitan Police said.

The force successfully applied to Westminster Council to suspend the license of the Villiers Street venue until a full hearing can take place.

In an initial hearing on Friday, the council was told that a woman was allegedly raped in the vicinity of the venue by a member of security staff on November 1. The Met said a member of security staff has been arrested and charged with rape and is being remanded in custody.

The suspension will take effect immediately, the Met said, meaning Heaven will be closed from Friday evening.

The hearing was told that when the woman tried to report the assault, other staff allegedly ignored her.

According to the nightclub’s website, progressive metal band VOLA was scheduled to play Friday night.

A council spokesman said: “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.

“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.”

Heaven took to Instagram to say: “We are upset by this allegation but cannot comment as it is an ongoing criminal investigation. We can only send thoughts to the alleged victim.”

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Related Internet Links

• Metropolitan Police Service