A NEWLY-married woman will need plastic surgery after her 30th birthday celebrations at a Southampton pub ended in violence.

She was attacked after a group of people were refused entry to the Ice House in Warren Avenue, Shirley, and returned with weapons including knives and bats.

The victim, who got married last month, was hit in the face with a white ceramic mug and taken to hospital.

Police say a 24-year-old Southampton man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

 

The pub's front windows were smashed in the disturbance, which left the forecourt and some of the wooden tables covered in broken glass.

The landlady, Sarah Yorke, said: "Two people arrived after closing time and were told to leave.

"About three-quarters-of-an hour later about four of five people turned up with knives, bats and a white ceramic mug.

"A woman who had been celebrating her 30th birthday was hit in the face with a mug and will need plastic surgery.

"I couldn't believe it when I was told what had happened. The people who did this are lowlifes. They deserve what they get."

 

Mrs Yorke took to social media yesterday to warn customers that the pub would be closed until further notice.

A customer replied: "We have a lovely little pub, great people, so why do idiots make it happen?"

Another social media user added: "I hope the culprits get punished. There is absolutely no need for this kind of violence. What is the matter with people?"

The disturbance broke out in the early hours of yesterday as staff were finishing up after the party.

Police cordoned off the pub and spent all night at the scene. Yesterday staff could be seen clearing up the mess as a workman arrived to carry out repairs.

 

A woman living nearby said: "There used to be a few problems around here but things have been a lot better in the past couple of years."

A neighbour added: "I bought my house five or six years ago and this is the first situation since then."

A police spokesperson said officers were called to the pub shortly after 12.30am following reports of violent disorder.

She confirmed that a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Anyone with information is urged to call Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44180395701.