guns and knives Irish centre in Manchester faces losing its licence after violent St Patrick's Day celebrations

The Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester could lose its licence after St Patrick's Day celebrations on Sunday descended into violence. 

Although the manager of the centre has denied there was a “mass brawl”, police have insisted that its licence should be suspended until a full review is heard by a Manchester council panel.

Officers had rushed to the scene at the venue in Cheetham Hill at around 11pm after reports of more than 40 people fighting and throwing chairs and glasses.

Police reports describe a “terrifying incident” that left an elderly woman who was punched in the face with “nasty facial injuries”.

One 999 caller reported that “guns and knives” had been mentioned resulting in Greater Manchester Police requesting firearms officers attend together with the tactical aid unit.

There were also reports of vehicles crashing into each other in the car park.

However, speaking to the Manchester Evening News, club manager Charlene Boylan said the fight only involved two men while others tried to separate the pair.

The centre will have an opportunity to make representations at an interim steps hearing for a summary review of the licence on Monday, March 21.

But in a police statement, Supt Zac Fraser said the licence should be suspended until a full review is heard by a Manchester council panel.

"Clearly this was a terrifying incident for all those who were caught up in it, both staff and customers alike, and unfortunately an elderly female volunteer has received nasty facial injuries as a result of being punched in the face,” he said.

“GMP are concerned that there may be reprisals in relation to this incident as there often are following violent brawls of this nature and GMP's senior officers are not confident that the premises remaining open as a licensed premises is in the best interests of public safety."

According to the statement signed on March 17, crimes for violent disorder and grievous bodily harm have been submitted as a result of the incident.

One 999 caller reported that many people were injured in the fight and told police that the woman who was punched in the face was an NHS volunteer.

According to the police report, the incident was brought under control by 11.22pm, when officers started sweeping the building to look for injured victims.