A popular central London LGBTQ+ nightclub has lost its fight to reopen earlier, after its licence was suspended following a rape allegation.

Westminster Council ruled last Friday (November 15) that Heaven’s alcohol licence should be suspended for up to 28 days, after a woman was allegedly raped in the vicinity of the venue in the early hours of November 1.

Other staff then allegedly ignored her efforts to report the attack, the Met Police said.

Morenikeji Adewole, of Dunloop Close, Dartford, was charged with rape last Wednesday (November 13).

He was working as a security guard at the venue has been remanded in custody, set to appear at Southwark Crown Court on December 11.

The nightclub attempted to challenged the interim suspension placed, but a four-and-a-half meeting was held today (November 19) to discuss the licencing restrictions set.

A Westminster City Council spokesperson said: “Having considered further evidence from both the police and the club management, the council's licensing committee has decided to continue the suspension of Heaven’s license.

“A full licensing hearing will now go ahead in December."