A PUB was forced to shut for hours after a large group of “drunk and confrontational” people “took over” its bottom floor.

Police had to intervene on Wednesday evening at the Bright Helm in Brighton after they received reports of antisocial behaviour.

The pub, in West Street, had to close for a “short period” while the customers were moved on and a clean-up operation started.

A member of staff from the pub, who did not want to be named, said the group took over the bottom floor of the pub and became “confrontational” and were smoking inside the building.

“A few of the men were really drunk so were a bit confrontational,” they said.

“But such a police presence helped to deter any real trouble.

“It took the manager, police and security till 7.45pm to get everyone out and then we sealed up the pub to look at the mess and started a big clean.

“We did not reopen till 9.20pm after all the clearing and cleaning, but there was a sense of worry it would happen again.”

A Wetherspoon spokesman said: “The Bright Helm was closed for a short period on Wednesday evening to deal with a behavioural incident involving a group of customers.

“The pub reopened at 9pm after the customers concerned left the premises after the involvement of the police.

“The pub traded for the rest of the night without any further issues.

“Wetherspoon does not tolerate disruptive or abusive behaviour in any of its pubs and will always take the necessary action in response to it.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Police were called to reports of antisocial behaviour involving a group of people at a pub in West Street, Brighton, at around 6.10pm on Wednesday.

“Officers attended and engaged with staff at the pub as well as the group, who were moved on from the area.”