Bouncer outside popular London nightclub arrested and charged with rape

A bouncer at a popular London nightclub has been arrested and charged after a woman was allegedly raped near the venue.

Heaven, in Charing Cross, will be closed for up to 28 days following the incident on November 1, Westminster City Council has confirmed.

In a statement they said that earlier today a licensing hearing decided that the license of the nightclub near Villiers Street should be suspended, following an application from the Met Police and Count based on the evidence provided by the force and the operator.

This is until a full hearing can take place in December, during which police and venue management can present new evidence.

A member of the security team has been arrested and charged since the incident.

He is in pre-trial detention.

A statement from Westminster City Council said: “Following a request from the Metropolitan Police and taking into account evidence provided by the police and the operator, the council’s licensing committee has decided to suspend Heaven’s license for 28 days.

“We recognize the cultural significance of this place, but the committee agreed that this measure is necessary to prevent serious crime and protect the public. This follows a report of an alleged rape reported to police on Friday 1 November.

“A full consent hearing will take place in December, during which police and site management will have the opportunity to present new evidence.

“This matter is currently the subject of an ongoing police investigation and we are unable to comment further at this stage.