POLICE on Teesside have closed down an unlicensed drinks den.

A 12-strong squad swooped on the unlicensed club, which was operating from a derelict factory at St Hilda's, Middlesbrough. Officers dismantled it, stripping it bare.

Cleveland Police seized bar optics, drinks, bar stools, tables, chairs, pictures, mirrors and lights, which were loaded on to a truck and taken away, together with the dismantled bars.

Officers arrived after revellers had gone home and the club had closed for the night. Consequently, there were no arrests.

Last night the angry owner of the building said: "Legal action will be taken.''

The raid was in response to complaints of intimidation and noise.

Police said the club has had a series of homes over the years and officers admit they are playing a cat-and-mouse game with the organisers.

PC Revis Phillips, of the force's licensing unit, said: "We are up against very determined people. It does not take very long for word to get round that we have been, and a search for new premises begins.''

Superintendent Graham Strange said: "The problem with illegal drinking dens is there are no controls, no safety arrangements, no compliance with fire safety. They are quite dangerous places.''

Divisional Fire Officer Bob Wood said: "If a fire occurs in unlicensed properties there is the potential for a large loss of life."