A pub has had its licence suspended following concerns about its links to alleged drug activity.

The White Horse was raided by Essex Police on Thursday, October 8 as part of a drugs-related operation.

The pub, in Old Road, was one of 18 properties in Harlow targeted by officers.

The operation resulted in 19 arrests and seven people have been charged with drugs-related offences.

Essex Police’s licensing team applied to Harlow Council for a summary review of the pub’s premises licence.

The request was considered by the council’s licensing sub-committee last week and members opted to suspend The White Horse’s licence with immediate effect until a full review hearing takes place.

Councillors also decided the designated premises supervisor should be removed with immediate effect.

The licence will remain suspended until a full hearing takes place, which is due to be held before November 9.

Members will then decide if the licence will be permanently revoked and whether a suspension needs to remain in place until any appeal against the decision is made.

Essex Police licensing officer Ronan McManus said: “The police investigation demonstrates a link between the pub and potential criminal activity and for these reasons, working with our partners, we took immediate action to call for a review of its licence to sell alcohol.”

Councillor Shannon Jezzard, chair of Harlow Council’s licensing committee, said: “Following last week’s events the police made an application to us on Monday afternoon for a summary review of the pub’s licence.

“Due to the seriousness of the investigation, a licensing sub-committee had to meet within 48 hours to consider whether any immediate steps were required.

“The sub-committee, chaired by Councillor Nick Churchill, agreed to take immediate steps to remove the designated premises supervisor and suspend the premises licence with a full hearing to be held within 28 days.”