A PUB had to be shut early on Saturday night after three men began threatening door staff.

Police confirmed that a 25-year-old man was arrested and issued with a fixed penalty notice after the incident outside the Royal Oak, in Water Street, Radcliffe.

The pub, which re-opened as normal the next day, issued a statement on Facebook apologising to patrons, and said they shut on advice from police in order to "defuse the situation".

Nicola Hill, the pub's landlady, said: "This is not a common thing at our pub at all. This is the only incident of this kind that we have had here in the last 10 years.

"The people responsible aren't regulars and aren't even from around here. We have never seen them before.

"It is just a shame that they came and spoiled the night for our customers."

A GMP spokesman confirmed: "We were called at 9.40pm on Saturday to reports of three men threatening door staff.

"Glasses were smashed outside the Royal Oak pub and a 25-year-old man was arrested and issued with a fixed penalty notice for disorderly behaviour."

The post on the pub's Facebook page added: "To all customers we are really sorry about the disturbance last night.

"We shut due to the advice from the police in order to defuse the situation.

"The three lads who caused the situation were from out of town and have now been arrested.

"To any customer that may have been hurt we hope you are ok xx as you all know it is not a common thing.

"Apologies on behalf of myself and Stephen and all the staff hope to see you all soon xxx"