A PUB had to close after three fights, reportedly all involving the same family, broke out there during New Year's Eve celebrations.

The Red Lion in Holt Heath, in the north of Worcester, was closed on January 1 due to fights that happened in the early hours of New Year’s Day, with the landlady saying that she and two other members of staff were injured and that damage was caused to the pub.

One victim of an assault had to be taken to hospital after suffering injuries described as serious.

Pub landlady Kate Stacey said that 'the family involved has been dealt with by the police' in a statement she posted on Facebook.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “We were called to reports of a disturbance at a pub on Witley Road at Holt Heath on January 1 at just after 12.30am.

“A number of assaults were reported, and police officers attended. Our investigations into this incident are ongoing.”

An ambulance also attended the scene to treat a victim.

A West Midlands ambulance service spokesman said: “We received reports of an assault at the Red Lion at 12:43am on New Year’s Day. We sent one ambulance to the scene and treated a man who had been assaulted.

“His injuries were serious but not life threatening. He was then transferred to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.”

Following the incident, landlady Kate Stacey, 43, issued this statement on Facebook: “Stephen and I would just like to apologise to our guests for the three fights that broke out this evening, just after new year's.

“The family involved has been dealt with by the police and an ambulance crew.

“This is not how we wanted our first New Year’s Eve celebration to end.

"We are in a state of shock over what has happened and due to the state of my pub and injuries sustained to Stephen, Sarah and myself, the pub will remain closed on January 1, 2020.

“I hope you are all okay, and again we are sorry you were involved in this.”

Kate declined to comment further when contacted by the Worcester News.

She and Stephen took over the Red Lion on October 8.