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COVID-19: Fines issued after illegal nightclub - complete with VIP area and DJ - is found in Birmingham

West Midlands Police also discovered 13 people in a makeshift pub called 'The COVID Arms' at a garage in Dudley Port.

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Police bust lockdown 'nightclub'
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Around 70 people have been fined £200 each after an illegal nightclub - complete with a DJ and VIP area - was raided by police in central Birmingham.

West Midlands Police said the DJ could face a £10,000 fine after 150 people were found across two floors at the packed site in Buckingham Street.

Footage released by police showed officers running up the stairs after forcing their way into the venue.

They are then seen walking past a room which has a neon "VIP" sign above the door.

Officers can be heard shouting "missiles" as they are pelted with bottles.

Officers entered the illegal nightclub after seeing taxis dropping people off outside
Image: Officers entered the illegal nightclub after seeing taxis dropping people off outside
Officers handed out fines to around 70 people at the venue
Image: Officers handed out fines to around 70 people at the venue

One police officer suffered a minor injury as a door was smashed open by people trying to break out.

Officers also found a dance room, a recording studio and a gym at the party on Saturday night.

More from Covid-19

Thermal imaging from police drones captured people trying to flee via the roof in the early hours of Sunday.

The force said 50 people are believed to have fled when police arrived.

Officers had been tipped off after taxis were spotted dropping people off at the event.

Footage shows police walking past a door with a neon sign reading 'VIP' above it
Image: Footage shows police walking past a door with a neon sign reading 'VIP' above it
COVID Party in Birmingham busted
Image: Thermal imaging showed people leaving the venue

West Midlands Police also discovered a garage workshop in Dudley Port which had been turned into a bar on Saturday night.

The makeshift pub was complete with a sign which read "The COVID Arms".

Officers said they allowed a dozen people there to leave but the owner was hit with a £1,000 fine.

Police footage showed people sitting at long tables as an officer told the punters they "should know better" before asking them to leave.

Police found a makeshift bar called 'The COVID Arms' had been set up in a garage
Image: Police found a makeshift bar called 'The COVID Arms' that had been set up in a garage

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said: "Our officers continue to work long and hard to protect the public and reduce the spread of this deadly virus by breaking up these gatherings, often in really difficult circumstances.

"It's unacceptable that our officers came under attack, and that one suffered a minor injury, just for doing their job and enforcing laws that are in place to keep us all safe.

"While there's much to be hopeful of in terms of the rollout of coronavirus vaccines, people must remember that we are still in lockdown and the virus is still a real threat to communities across the West Midlands.

"We thank those people who are supporting our efforts to keep the public safe by sticking to the rules and staying home. They are saving lives."