A pub has been closed after what police described as “a serious public disorder”.

The Rose and Crown in West Green, Crawley, has been ordered to remain closed following the incident on Saturday, during which seven people were arrested for various public order offences including assault and affray.

Sussex Police issued a closure order at around 10.30pm and it is the first time the force has closed a licensed premises on two separate occasions.

Insp Rob Lovell, from the North Downs division licensing unit, said: “Sussex Police is committed to preventing public disorder and violent crime. “This was a serious incident that involved a large number of police resources.

“The legislation means the premises must cease trading and can only be used in the most serious cases, giving an indication of the type of scenario officers faced on Saturday night."

The decision to close the pub was agreed by Crawley magistrates yesterday.

It will now remain closed and unable to trade until a full licensing review hearing is held by Crawley Borough Council.