Eight people have been arrested after officers attempted to break up a lockdown lock-in drinking session in Liverpool.

Drinkers barricaded themselves inside the Britannia Hotel pub in Vauxhall in the early hours of Monday morning after officers arrived, Merseyside Police said.

The force was called at around 12.30am to reports that more than 100 people had gathered at the pub, playing loud music and causing a disturbance to local residents.

Seven men and one woman, aged between 21 and 33, were arrested for violent disorder and drugs offences. Officers had beer thrown at them as they arrived.

Pubs have been closed by law for the last three months to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Detective inspector Phil Atkinson, of Merseyside Police, said: “This is appalling behaviour and saddens me to see officers being put at risk from those flouting government guidelines.

“Restrictions have been eased but by no means is this pandemic over and nor should we treat it like it is.

“Regardless of the current climate, throwing things at officers will never be accepted. Eight people were arrested and prosecution is likely.

“If government advice had been followed, we wouldn’t have had to attend this gathering and our resources could have been better used elsewhere.

“I hope those who both hosted and attended this event think twice about their actions and will avoid these gatherings in the future.

“In regards to the premises licence, officers have been in conversations with the landlord, premises licence holder and council.

“The premises licence has been surrendered this afternoon. I hope this also shows others in this industry that we will actively seek closure orders or reviews where necessary and those responsible will face punishment.

“Anyone with information on those hosting or attending these unlicensed events should contact us at @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously.”