A vicious gang attack outside a sports bar which left the victim requiring facial surgery has prompted police to call for a licensing review.

Officers were called to the Kings Head Sports Bar in King Street, Gravesend, just after 3am on Saturday, October 2, after a man in his 20s was repeatedly punched in the head and left with serious facial injuries.

The incident prompted police to call for an "expedited review of Premises Licence" and a hearing was conducted by Gravesham council's licensing panel on Monday October 25.

Police reports submitted to the panel said the assault involved customers from the Kings Head, adding: "The assault involved a male victim receiving numerous punches to the head resulting in substantial facial injuries likely to require corrective surgery. The level of injuries received are consistent with a grievous bodily harm assault.

"It is suspected that at the time of the incident the premises was employing door supervisors that were not SIA registered staff."

A report added: "Kent Police are of the opinion that if the premises were to remain open to the public it may be a flashpoint for further incidents of serious crime and disorder. Furthermore, Kent Police have no faith in the management of the premises to mitigate the risk of further incidents or that they will work alongside responsible authorities to sufficiently promote the licensing objectives. Until this consideration is undertaken the Police consider that there is a risk of serious crime and disorder reoccurring at the premises."

The chair of the licensing panel agreed that the licence holder had "failed to uphold three of the Licensing objectives namely the prevention of crime and disorder, the protection of public safety and the prevention of public nuisance."

However the panel decided to reinstate the licence immediately with restricted conditions that all licensable activities should stop at11.30pm and the pub should be closed by midnight, until a full review hearing is conducted.

They also ruled a new designated premises supervisor must be appointed and reminded owners that all door staff should be SIA registered.

A date for the full review hearing has not yet been published.

Police say officers are continuing to review all available evidence, including CCTV, and at present no arrests have been made.

Anyone who thinks they have information which can be of assistance can phone Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting 46/194662/21.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.

Read more: all the latest news from Gravesend.