A squat in a pub has closed after complaints about parties in the early hours of the morning.

The squat in The Mariner in East Street, Brighton, closed on Monday last week.

A Sussex Police statement said it was shut “after several complaints from local residents about anti-social behaviour at the premises over the past fortnight, including parties into the early hours”.

The statement continued: “Officers worked closely with the new owners and Brighton and Hove City Council, entering the squat peacefully at midday on Monday. The four people within were spoken to and voluntarily left the squat.

“The building has now been returned to the owners.”

Sergeant Dave Bennett, of Brighton and Hove’s Regency policing team, said: “Whilst I appreciate that in the current climate there has been an increase in squatting in commercial premises that does not give people the right to affect others’ quality of life. As has been shown, reports like this will be dealt with in a timely and positive manner.”