Around 70 people have been fined £200 each after an illegal nightclub – complete with a DJ and VIP area – was raided by police in central Birmingham.

West Midlands Police said the DJ could face a £10,000 fine after 150 people were found across two floors at the packed site in Buckingham Street.

Footage released by police showed officers running up the stairs after forcing their way into the venue.

They are then seen walking past a room which has a neon “VIP” sign above the door.

Officers can be heard shouting “missiles” as they are pelted with bottles.

One police officer suffered a minor injury as a door was smashed open by people trying to break out.

Officers also found a dance room, a recording studio and a gym at the party on Saturday night.

Thermal imaging from police drones captured people trying to flee via the roof in the early hours of Sunday.

The force said 50 people are believed to have fled when police arrived.

Officers had been tipped off after taxis were spotted dropping people off at the event.

West Midlands Police also discovered a garage workshop in Dudley Port which had been turned into a bar on Saturday night.

The makeshift pub was complete with a sign which read “The COVID Arms”.

Officers said they allowed a dozen people there to leave but the owner was hit with a £1,000 fine.

Police footage showed people sitting at long tables as an officer told the punters they “should know better” before asking them to leave.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said: “Our officers continue to work long and hard to protect the public and reduce the spread of this deadly virus by breaking up these gatherings, often in really difficult circumstances.

“It’s unacceptable that our officers came under attack, and that one suffered a minor injury, just for doing their job and enforcing laws that are in place to keep us all safe.

“While there’s much to be hopeful of in terms of the rollout of coronavirus vaccines, people must remember that we are still in lockdown and the virus is still a real threat to communities across the West Midlands.

“We thank those people who are supporting our efforts to keep the public safe by sticking to the rules and staying home. They are saving lives.”

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