A seaside town was reportedly forced to go on ‘lockdown’ as bars and pubs closed early amid “low-level disorder”.
Several venues in Cromer said they decided not to open on Saturday, with residents describing the town as in “lockdown” on social media.
One pub described “a difficult situation” in the resort.
But reports that a person had been stabbed were dismissed by Norfolk Constabulary, but the force did increase resources in the town.
Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, tweeted: “Very concerned by what I’ve read online tonight. Of course happy to support people in Cromer in any way I can.”
While the force said: “We have additional resources in Cromer tonight following reports of low-level disorder earlier today.
“We are aware licensees of local pubs have taken the decision to close this evening and we will have additional officers on patrol to provide reassurance to the local community.
“We are also aware of mentions on social media relating to a stabbing in the town tonight - we can confirm no such incident has been reported to us.”
Lamb told Sky News that “anti-social behaviour” was “intolerable” for residents in the town.
Police confirmed later to HuffPost UK that reports of a spate of thefts from bars and other anti-social incidents lay behind the disorder.
Cromer Pier said it had closed its Theatre Bar on the advice of police.
According to the Press Association, a statement on the venue’s Facebook page said: “On advice from the police the Theatre Bar is closed to the public this evening as are all the other public houses in Cromer.
“Apologies for any inconvenience whilst we support our local police in bringing a difficult situation in the town under control.”
The Wellington pub tweeted: “We will not be opening our doors tomorrow! Hopefully normal service will resume on Monday!”
The Red Lion Hotel also wrote on Twitter: “Please be aware the Red Lion is closing early this evening due to local events in the past 24 hours.”