Dozens of police officers called in to deal with ‘rowdy behaviour’ at Ilford Wetherspoons

Punters said about 20 officers arrived at The Great Spoon of Ilford pub in Cranbrook Road last night after a group of 30 men and women started behaving aggressively towards staff.

Police said they were called to the pub at 10pm after receiving reports that people were acting “very rowdy” inside.

One customer, who did not wished to be named, said: “A large group, I’d say about 30 men and women, came in at 8.30pm and were being very aggressive towards the bar staff. I think they were worried so they called police.

“20 officers and a dog unit turned up at 10pm and we were asked to leave.”

A spokesman from the Met Police said: “Police officers were called at around 10pm to reports of people acting very rowdy.

“They left on arrival of the police and no criminal offences were recorded. The incident was dealt with by midnight.”

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon confirmed a member of staff had contacted the police due to the behaviour of some customers.

He added: “The group had been abusive and aggressive towards a staff member.

“The police arrived and advised the pub manager to close the pub early at 11am, in order for all the other customers to leave the premises.”