Investigations launched into Lord's Tavern scuffle

Scotland Yard and the Hampshire County Cricket Club have each launched investigations after police were called to intervene in a fracas at a London pub on Tuesday night.

The incident, which occurred as Hampshire's players celebrated their NatWest Trophy quarter-final win over home team Middlesex, is said to have started at shortly after seven o'clock on Tuesday evening at the Lord's Tavern in St John's Wood.

Details remain sketchy but it is rumoured that the disorder began after Hampshire's star import, Australian Shane Warne, declined a Middlesex supporter's request for an autograph. It has been reported that Warne was not directly involved in the events which followed but rumoured that other of Hampshire's players may have been. These reports have also included references to jostling and abusive language.

Although no arrests were made and no injuries were sustained, statements were taken from a number of witnesses at the scene. A police spokesman has also confirmed the existence of an allegation that threatening behaviour was used toward at least one customer who was in the tavern at the time.

The investigations will continue today.