A SUFFOLK nightclub which was the scene of a murder, shooting and stabbing last month was closed down tonight because of its violent reputation. Zest nightclub in Princes Street, Ipswich, will shut indefinitely after a meeting of Ipswich Borough Council's licensing and regulatory sub-committee found the club's management had failed to take steps to promote the prevention of crime.
By Danielle Nuttall
A SUFFOLK nightclub which was the scene of a murder, shooting and stabbing last month was closed down tonight because of its violent reputation.
Zest nightclub in Princes Street, Ipswich, will shut indefinitely after a meeting of Ipswich Borough Council's licensing and regulatory sub-committee found the club's management had failed to take steps to promote the prevention of crime.
A damning report said the club had developed a reputation for violence, particularly in London, and that criminals would continue to be attracted to the premises even if it changed its name.
It comes after a string of incidents in or around the popular nightspot, the latest being the murder of Jimoh Plunkett on December 9.
The 24-year-old, of South London, had been one of 800 partygoers who had visited Zest for a special garage music event when trouble flared.
Six shots were fired, one of which struck Mr Plunkett, who was found lying outside the club with gunshot wounds at around 2.20am. He died hours later at Ipswich Hospital.
Superintendent Alan Caton said: “The murder within the Zest nightclub was a tragic and terrible incident. Police have had concerns regarding the club and feel it's right and proper that an application for closure was made.
“We support the licensing sub-committee's decision to revoke the licence and will await the outcome of any future appeal.
“We have had an ongoing operation into the events of the 8-9th December and would continue to ask anyone that was there to contact Suffolk Police.”
The sub-committee said it was irresponsible at the current time to allow the premises to reopen when the full facts of what happened on this night were unknown.
However, it leaves open the possibility it could reapply again if circumstances change.
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