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A village pub has been boarded up after three men suffered “appalling knife wounds” in a brawl there.
Police were called to a “large-scale disturbance” at the Hop Pole Inn in Maidstone Road, Nettlestead, near Maidstone in the early hours of October 13.
Three men were treated for stab wounds and four people were arrested.
Now the pub has closed and the windows and doors have been boarded up with wooden panels. Outside, bollards have been added to the car park entrance to stop anyone driving in.
A notice remains on the wall, issued in conjunction with Nettlestead Parish Council and St Mary’s Church, which says the pub is part of the Warm Welcome Spaces scheme, offering a place to work, play games and relax during the day.
All four are currently bailed pending further enquires.
After the incident, officers issued a renewed appeal for more witnesses to come forward.
Detective Constable Alex Bagnall said: “There were around 60 people in the pub who would have witnessed this large-scale disturbance, between 12.30am and 1.20am.
“The violence has led to some appalling knife wounds, and it is only by chance there were no fatal consequences.”
“We are continuing to urge anyone with information to come forward and would remind witnesses that this can be done anonymously, by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or by completing a form on their website.”
Nettlestead Parish Council said: “As a parish council we had supported the pub with Warmspace and Chatterbox and it is a shame to see the closure of another local pub.”