Police have closed down a pub after convincing magistrates it was being used as a crack den.

Officers raided the Horse and Groom pub in East Street, Horsham,England earlier this month after intelligence led them to suspect it was being used to distribute the highly addictive class A drug.

They used battering rams to bash down the doors at the venue.

Now they have successfully argued at Haywards Heath,England Magistrates�'�''�'' Court that the pub was being used illegally.

Magistrates granted police permission to take possession of the venue and close it down.

Officers have moved to board the pub up. They used their powers under the Antisocial Behaviour Act to take possession of the site for three months.

No further action is being taken against the owners of The Coot pub in Coots Avenue, Horsham,England which was also raided at the same time as the Horse and Groom.

Crown Prosecution Service lawyers used Friday�'�''�''s court hearing to outline the case they have against the Horse And Groom owners, including what evidence has been gathered by detectives.

Police had to demonstrate the pub has been used in connection with the unlawful use, production or supply of class A controlled drugs and that the use of the premises was associated with disorder or serious nuisance to members of the public. A closure notice was served on the Horse and Groom before the hearing.

It is the latest in a number of properties in Sussex targeted by police using antisocial behaviour powers after being suspected of housing drug dealers.

In November 2007, police in Brighton,England successfully secured a closure order on a property in Wiston Road, Whitehawk, after discovering heroin during a raid.

Police believe the presence of a crack house increases the chances of other crimes being committed in the same area, mainly by addicts attempting to get enough money to buy their next hit.