Bar told to close after man shot in leg during event

The Acapella bar was ordered to close after the man was shot, a city council report said

A bar has been temporarily closed after a man was shot in the leg during an event at the weekend.

He was injured at the Acapella on Frederick Street, Birmingham, at about 03:00 GMT on Sunday, a report to the city council said.

But West Midlands Police were only aware of the shooting when the man arrived at hospital, they added.

The bar said it hoped to open before Christmas but it was expected to stay closed until a full license review by the council on 8 January.

Staff at the bar appeared to have made an effort to clean up the scene before detectives arrived, the council's licensing report said.

West Midlands Police Sgt Mark Swallow said the gun used was "still in public circulation".

Acapella hosted a party at the weekend before the shooting.

Someone brought a gun into the bar while it was open, fired it inside and injured the man, the council's report said.

His injury was described as not being serious by police and he was treated in hospital.

The bar was forced to close with immediate effect by the council and its owner, who failed to attend the licensing hearing this week, was ordered by the authority to be removed as the designated premises supervisor.

In a statement on their social media pages, a spokesman for the bar said they were told to close until further police guidance was given.

"We can’t wait to hopefully be open soon and see you all again before Christmas. Thank you for your patience and understanding," they added.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.