A Battersea bar and restaurant has had its drinks licence temporarily suspended after a 40-year-old man was bashed over the head.

Wandsworth’s licensing sub-committee agreed to a police request for the suspension of the Leilani bar and restaurant, in Lavender Hill, pending a full hearing later this month.

The move came amid concerns about criminal behaviour and safety after a male customer was the victim of a serious assault at the bar on October 11.

Police investigating the incident have raised concerns about the behaviour of the bar’s management following the incident.

While the licence is suspended staff at Leilani are not permitted to sell any alcohol to the public.

Committee chairman Councillor Caroline Usher said: "After hearing the evidence presented to us by the police at this interim hearing we felt we had no alternative other than to suspend the licence with immediate effect."

A police spokesman said: "On Saturday, October 11, at 1.10am we responded to call of man assaulted at Leilani.

"The victim was a 40-year-old man who had allegedly been struck over the head.

"He was treated for minor head injuries. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”

There are no details on what the man was hit with.