A CLUBBER has been arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation handgun.

Police were called to Never Never Land, Market Street, Blackburn, about 1am on Sunday following reports that a customer had tried to smuggle a gun inside the venue.

Officers arrested a man in his 20s and he was questioned by detectives at Greenbank police station, Whitebirk, Blackburn, before being released on bail.

Adrian Garner who runs Never Never Land spoke out in a bid to reassure people about the safety of his club.

He said: "A gun was found during the search procedures for customers entering the club.

"We certainly provide a safe environment at Never Never Land and this is shown in that we prevented a gun from getting into the club.

"Everyone is checked while in the reception area.

"We are giving our full co-operation to the police in their investigation and an officer has been down to review all the CCTV footage."

Police said the imitation weapon was believed to be a nine millimetre handgun.

Detective Constable Martin Hulme, of Blackburn CID, appealed for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "At this stage we do not wish to cause alarm but we feel a member of the public may have seen someone with the gun and they may be able to assist us in our investigation.

"The security staff at the club recovered what appeared to be a handgun and a man was later arrested."

If you can help, call Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.