A lap-dancing night turned into a near-riot as yobs broke glasses, smashed windows and set off fire extinguishers at a popular south Essex night club.
Hundreds of people watched the ransacking of the Circus Tavern, at Meads Corner, Purfleet, in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Aftermath - debris is strewn across the club following the riot Picture: TERENCE BUNCH
The club had hosted Sunday Sport-sponsored shows of men and women stripping in front of rowdy punters earlier in the evening.
Police from Grays and other stations across south Essex were called to bring the situation under control.
Two officers were injured in the scuffle - but treated later by a police surgeon.
Four men in their 20s were arrested.
Published Monday, June 16, 2003
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