Milton Keynes restaurant has licence suspended following fatal stabbing

A Milton Keynes restaurant that became the scene of a fatal stabbing after Christmas has had its licence temporarily suspended.

Thames Valley Police applied to the council to review of Atesh's premises licence under Section 53a of the Licensing Act 2003, which is intended as a rapid means to tackle serious crime and/or disorder at a premises licensed for the sale of alcohol.

At around 1.30am on 27 December, police were called to reports of an assault at the venue. Two men in their 20s were brought to hospital with serious injuries and 28-year-old Nagiib Maxamed died the following day from his injuries. The second man has since been discharged from hospital.

Atesh said the venue had been hired for an event during which an altercation took place between a group of attendees outside. It said 10 security personnel were onsite and that "every bag and person were searched upon entry". It also said it would no longer host such events.

According to police, not all door supervisors were properly identifiable and wearing Security Industry Authority (SIA) armbands and reports suggested no calls were received from the venue to police despite staff being aware of the incident. Police were made aware of the incident when the injured parties arrived at hospital.

In a letter to the council's licensing committee, superintendent Marc Tarbit said: "The managers were initially evasive with officers and reluctant to show CCTV to officers, stating that they would provide it at some point later that day. The managers were also reluctant to close the premises in light of the incident, and only agreed to do so once more police arrived on scene to secure evidence. Initial reports also indicate their security measures were insufficient and potentially not compliant with the licence conditions."

Police reports said door supervisors had suggested that more security staff were needed but were told it was "too short notice to find any others" and concerns over a potential security breach were ignored. Police also said the noncompliance of staff and witnesses had caused a delay in identifying offenders and securing evidence.

In a written submission to the council Atesh management said: "During the investigation we have been heavily assisting and been in full cooperation with the police and personally with DC David Brandon," adding: "Our hearts go out to the deceased's family. This tragic incident has left us extremely saddened."

The council suspended the premises licence until a full review can be held before 28 January.

The suspension means supply of alcohol at the venue is prohibited, as well as the supply of hot food and provision of entertainment after 11pm.

Police have arrested five people, all from Birmingham, on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, all of who remain in custody.