A young dad has been left unable to pick up his baby after what police are investigating as an alleged assault at a nightclub in Dartford.
Kent Police confirmed they are looking into reports of an incident at ATIK nightclub on Essex Road, which took place at around 2.50am on Saturday, August 30.
A man in his 20s suffered bruising and swelling and later attended a local hospital for treatment.
A spokesperson for ATIK Dartford confirmed that a doorman had “acted inappropriately”, resulting in physical contact.
The spokesperson added that the doorman was subsequently dismissed by both the venue and the contracted security company due to his conduct.
The man’s partner said the couple had been enjoying their first night out since the birth of their three-month-old baby when the evening took a turn.
She claimed tensions rose after they were told a bottle of alcohol in a booth would cost £100, despite it being advertised as between £25 and £45.
She told the News Shopper: “We were just having a good time.
“We only had half of the first bottle because it was going around my friends.
“We wanted to buy the other bottle so we could have a drink.”
According to her account, her partner was refused further alcohol because a member of staff said he appeared “too drunk”.
She said he then tried to get another drink from the downstairs bar, during which he “knocked off the sign from the bar” and was approached by security.
She claims that security guards then surrounded him, with one pulling him, and she intervened by pulling one of the bouncers off him.
At this point, she claimed she was grabbed by two security guards inside the club.
The couple were then taken out of the club, though she does not remember who was “dragged” outside first.
“I blacked out, it was a bit fuzzy, and I went red,” she added.
A video of the incident shows a security guard dragging and punching a man in the head as they approach the venue’s exit.
By the time she found her partner at the bottom of the stairs, she said he was covered “head to toe” in blood, his T-shirt was ripped, and he was struggling to move.
She said he underwent a CT scan, a brain scan and a spinal scan at hospital the following day.
According to the woman, doctors initially suspected a fractured jaw but later confirmed there were no fractures.
She added: “He’s on a lot of painkillers and has been told to rest over the next few days, which obviously means he can’t work.
“He can’t pick up our daughter.”
A spokesperson for ATIK Dartford said: “In this incident, the individual in question refused to leave the premises when requested.
“A doorman then acted inappropriately, resulting in physical contact.
“The doorman was subsequently dismissed by both the venue and the contracted security company due to his conduct.
“The manager on duty reported the incident to the police and personally spoke with the individual involved who was stood up and remained outside the venue at the time.
“We want to make it clear that the venue does not condone inappropriate behaviour by any individual – whether staff, security personnel, or patrons.
“We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone.”
A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “Kent Police is investigating a report of an assault at a nightclub in Essex Road, Dartford, at around 2.50am on Saturday 30 August 2025.
“A man in his 20s suffered bruising and swelling during the incident and attended a local hospital for medical attention.
“The victim has been contacted by officers, and an investigation is underway into the circumstances.
Source – News Hopper