A PUB could be shut down for good after two men suffered injuries "consistent with stab wounds" inside.

Earlier this month, police got permission to temporarily shut the Lord Raglan in Water Street, Radcliffe, claiming the safety of staff and customers was at risk.

Now, they have asked Bury Council to withdraw its licence for good and a decision is set to be made tomorrow.

A new hard-hitting report reveals the full extent of the police's concerns following an incident on May 2.

At the time, neighbours told the Radcliffe Times they saw a large number of police vehicles converging on the pub and visible blood stains in the street.

The report, which will be presented to the council’s licensing panel at the crucial town-hall meeting at 1pm tomorrow, says: "A large-scale fight erupted within the pub.

"As a result, two males sustained injuries consistent with stab wounds. One of them was also hit around the head with a bottle and a third man was punched to the face.

"The premises licence holder Rezart Balesi and the designated premises supervisor Christopher O'Brien were present.

"Neither they or any other staff member have made contact with the police to inform them of the incident.

"On police arrival, officers could not initially gain entry to the premises and, finally on doing so, (they noticed) attempts have been made to clean up the scene, thus damaging any potential forensic evidence.

"There is a history of other incidents of violence at the premises and also of the staff being uncooperative with the police."

Bury Safeguarding Children Board has indicated to the council that it supports the police's application.

Three councillors, who are members of the licensing panel, will hear various arguments during tomorrow's meeting and will then be asked to make a decision.

Mr Balesi is entitled to make representations to the panel.

If the panel decides to withdraw the pub's licence, Mr Balesi would have 21 days to lodge an appeal.

In that case, the pub would have to stay closed until an appeal decision was made.

The Radcliffe Times has visited the now-closed pub on several occasions in an attempt to speak to bosses and has also tried to make contact by phone.

A Companies House search revealed that Mr Balesi is the director of the company that runs the pub and the phone number given was not in service.