There were dramatic scenes after a member of the public collapsed at the back of court where an interim closure notice against Rosies nightclub in Chester had just been agreed.

There was a gasp after the 35-year-old male, from Upton, who was observing the case at Chester magistrates, was heard to fall heavily to the floor.

The Cheshire Police case, which followed two serious assaults at the Northgate Street club during the early hours of Thursday (July 7), was drawing to a close when the man collapsed.

Magistrates had just decided to continue an interim closure notice against Rosies served by police at 4pm on Thursday.

Rosies nightclub in Northgate Street, Chester, has been issued with a closure notice by Cheshire Police.

They adjourned the case until Tuesday (July 12) when a longer term closure order of up to three months will be considered.

The patient, who was conscious and breathing, was taken by ambulance to the Countess of Chester Hospital for a check-up. He was later discharged.

Earlier, prosecutor Elizabeth Heavey said the club had been monitored for around a year with 98 incidents of crime and disorder during that period.

The two 'trigger events' for the closure notice, brought under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act, were two serious assaults in the early hours of Thursday which saw offenders arrested.

Rosies nightclub in Northgate Street, Chester, has been issued with a closure notice by Cheshire Police.

When police attended on the second occasion the officer in charge was 'not satisfied the management of the premises was adequate'.

Mrs Heavey said this area of Chester city centre was ranked second highest in terms of demand on police resources in the whole county.

Police were entitled to invoke closure powers with respect to licensed premises associated with nuisance and disorder.

A meeting was taking place on Monday involving the premises licence holder where it was hoped progress could be made, she said.

Mrs Heavey said the licensing authority, Cheshire West and Chester Council, was taking an interest in the case which could lead to a review of the premises licence if the closure order was granted.

Rosies nightclub in Northgate Street, Chester, has been issued with a closure notice by Cheshire Police.

Miss Sarah Clover, on behalf of Stonegate Pub Company, which runs Rosies, said the closure order application was 'opposed in full'.

"Nothing is accepted or agreed in relation to the police allegations," said Miss Clover, who asked for the court to approach the case with an open mind.

Her understanding was that police sought to put the 'overall picture' before the court.

The case was adjourned until 10am on Tuesday for a hearing expected to last at least half a day.

Rosies must remain closed all weekend during what would have been a busy period given Chester races takes place this evening and Saturday afternoon.