A LANDLORD claims police have unfairly singled out his pub after 30 officers stormed in and closed it down.

Police ordered West One, in West Street, Bridport to close for 24 hours after three separate fights broke out and one man was hospitalised.

But joint owner Matthew Sparrow said his pub had been singled out by police and there had only been a small scuffle between two friends who were immediately thrown out.

He said: "The police have made something out of nothing. I have seen lots of fights in other pubs in the town and they have never been closed. I think the police are singling me out. I am speaking to my solicitor."

He says the police came down with 30 officers, searched his premises and closed the pub.

"They came back with a 24-hour closure order through 'threat of violence'. I lost £1,500 takings on the night but it was the smallest fight I have ever seen," said Mr Sparrow.

"It was just a couple of local lads who drink in the town."

Mr Sparrow says it is the final straw and there is now a notice saying the pub lease is up for sale.

"You have to work so many hours in the pub trade and I am sick of being tired all the time. A few things have added up and I have just had enough," he said.

Community beat officer PC Scott McGregor, of Bridport police, said the first reports of violence at the pub reached them about teatime. After the initial reports more came in about people being assaulted in West One and the immediate vicinity, he said.

He added: "Incidents like this don't happen very often but when they do we have to get all the wheels in motion."

The police then used powers under the licensing act to close the premises down. The pub will now have to have its licence reviewed by the West Dorset licensing committee within the next 28 days.