A pub was forced to close its doors just minutes before the Euros final last night after an incident involving a knife.

The George, in Hever Court Road, Singlewell, was packed with punters ready to watch the highly-anticipated final between England and Spain.

But before the match began, a man is said to have scaled the garden wall and allegedly targeted one of the pub-goers with a knife.

Police attended and a 22-year-old was arrested.

General manager Jess Wood closed the pub just 30 minutes before the big game was due to start for the safety of the public and her staff.

She confirmed the decision lost her a lot of business on the eagerly-awaited night but as a family-friendly pub, “it did not feel right” to stay open.

Police confirmed their attendance at 7.18pm yesterday (July 14) to a report of an altercation between two people inside a pub in Hever Court Road.

The suspect was alleged to have used a knife to attempt to injure a person inside the venue but fled the scene, police say.

The victim, who is believed to be known to the suspect, was not injured. Officers attended and seized the weapon inside the venue.

At around 10pm the same day, a 22-year-old man from Gravesend was arrested on suspicion of affray. He has since been bailed until Sunday 13 October while enquiries continue.

Investigating officer PC Izzy Deane said: “We believe the suspect used a black Aldi A3 SE TDI to get to and from the venue and after the incident he was seen in the passenger seat of the car which left the main car park near the Premier Inn.

“The pub was packed with people getting ready to watch the Euros final and this would have been a frightening incident to witness.

“I really want to talk to anyone with information who has yet to speak to us, any little bit of information can be crucial to an investigation like this so please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Kent Police on 01474 366149, quoting reference number 46/117173/24.

A spokesperson for The George said: “We are aware of an incident outside The George last night (July 14).

“No one was hurt though police attended and we are helping them with their inquiries.

“We are a family pub with a terrific reputation and so, it was decided to suspend operations for the evening voluntarily. We reopened as normal on Monday."

The George underwent a revamp last April with a refreshed bar, new soft furnishings and an enhanced dining area to give the pub a new lease of life.