Dorset Police have defended why they called for the closure of a Bournemouth nightclub after discovering a gap in their CCTV footage.

Priva in Poole Hill said it lost thousands of pounds after Bournemouth’s licensing sub-committee suspended its licence on Friday, October 28 after police discovered 96 seconds had been wiped off one night’s footage.

But members of Bournemouth’s licensing committee were told on Tuesday the gap was due to the club’s CCTV system closing down to reboot at 3am every day.

Responding to the Daily Echo’s story yesterday, Dorset Police said officers investigating an allegation of a serious sexual assault asked to view the CCTV tape and discovered that footage was missing and crucial information could not be obtained.

The force said Priva had its premises licence revoked by the licensing committee on February 8 this year. An appeal was lodged which meant the club could reopen while its licence was under review.

In a statement, Dorset Police said: “Licensing decisions like this are not taken lightly but consideration is given to a number of issues.

“This latest licensing suspension on Friday, October 28, had therefore not been considered in isolation but in conjunction with previous incidents.

“Officers, investigating an allegation of a serious sexual assault, discovered that crucial CCTV footage was missing. The alleged assault took place away from the venue. The CCTV would have shown the alleged offender with the alleged victim prior to the assault.

“As part of the licensing conditions CCTV equipment should be working and recording at all times when the premises are open. Licensees and managers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the public and in this instant the licence holders have failed to meet their responsibilities.

“Dorset Police acted on the information available at the time and when the issue had been identified and resolved the details were supplied to the licensing body who in turn re-considered their decision.”

Philip Day, representing Priva, said: “The appeal against revocation was allowed with the consent of both the police and the council.”