A CITY centre bar has closed following violence that led to three people being injured and guns allegedly brandished during a private New Year’s Eve party organised by travellers. 

A total of 22 police units attended the fracas at Backtrack Bar, Victoria Road at about 11.50pm, where three people were taken to hospital with facial injuries, including a 15-year-old boy.

Essex Police, who submitted representations leading to the licence suspension, believe 50 of the 250 guests were underage.

The drama unfolded when a fight broke out between travellers, thought to be from the West Midlands and Wales.

Three people were arrested and bailed by police until Tuesday, January 31.

Meanwhile, Backtrack Bar owners will go before Chelmsford City Council’s licensing committee later in the month for a final decision - however, it appears the business is already winding down.  

Nigel Dermott, police licensing officer for Chelmsford and Maldon, said: “I’ve done some fantastic work with establishments in the city, especially with the Pubwatch scheme which has been doing fantastically.

“So when something like this happens it can really upset the community.

“I have a great relationship with many people involved in the night-time economy, including Backtrack.

“I think this was down to a poor judgement call, where they took customers at face value, allowing them to have a private party.

“But that private party happened to be the travelling community.”

Further incidents were reported throughout the city that night, which he believes were linked to the party.

He continued: “Police decided not to close the party down, because then there would have been 250 people on the streets, many who lived far away and would be unable to get home.”

A spokeswoman for Chelmsford City Council said an interim hearing was held on Friday, January 6 following a summary review application submitted by police, to decide which steps needed to be taken.

The committee resolved that the licence would be temporarily suspended.

She added: “Other measures were considered, but these were considered inadequate to prevent further incidents. A full review will be conducted on January 30 at a time to be confirmed.”

A police spokesman said: “Witnesses also reported seeing men with what are believed to be firearms.

“Three people were taken to hospital for treatment on head and facial injuries.

“An 18-year-old man from Cardiff was arrested on suspicion of affray while a 17 year-old boy from London and a 23 year-old man were arrested on suspicion of affray and firearms offences.

“All were released on bail until January 31.”