Authorities are seeking a temporary closure of a nightclub in south-west London where a woman reportedly experienced a sexual assault by a staff member.

The Metropolitan Police have requested Lambeth Council to revoke the licence of Aquum Clapham as they pursue an investigation into the alleged incident that occurred on March 29, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

According to the allegations, the staff member escorted the woman to a private upstairs bar and assaulted her. The police confirmed that a man was detained on April 12 on suspicion of rape related to the incident but was later released on bail.

The BBC has reached out to Lambeth Council for a statement.

The woman claimed that throughout the night, she and her friends were provided with complimentary drinks and shots by the same employee.

The Metropolitan Police’s application for a licence review highlighted that this was not the first allegation of sexual assault against a club employee—another such allegation had been made within the past eight months by a different patron.

In a submission to the council dated April 9, the Met stated: “Due to serious allegations of crime and disorder at the venue, and to safeguard young female patrons who may visit, the Metropolitan Police Service is requesting an urgent review of the premises licence along with immediate suspension as an interim measure.”

As reported by the LDRS, the request to suspend Aquum’s licence was considered in a closed session by Lambeth Council’s Licensing Committee on April 10, with the outcome set to be released at a later date.

Under its existing licence, the club is permitted to operate until 4 AM on Friday and Saturday nights, and until 3 AM on other days of the week.

A spokesperson for the Met stated: “Officers are investigating a reported rape that took place on Saturday, March 29, and was reported on Wednesday, April 2, at a location on Clapham High Street. The victim continues to receive support from specialized officers.”