AN APPEAL against the closure of Natasha Hamilton’s bar after police claimed it was a meeting place for criminals failed this morning.

H Bar on Victoria Street was temporarily closed by the city’s Licensing Committee after a double stabbing on Monday.

The venue appealed to the council this morning but failed to overturn the decision, because of police allegations criminals frequent the establishment.

Representatives for the business acknowledged there were some training issues in regards to the preservations of crime scenes, as one member of staff cleared up blood after the incident on Monday.

However they denied trying to cover the crime up and said the venue was a respectable establishment.

The bar will remain closed until October 1, pending a full review of the licence.

Ms Hamilton’s agent, Martin O Shea said: "Natasha is devastated. There have already been strong words for the staff but it is a well run bar.

"The crime scene itself was outside the club and one mistake was made by somebody who cleaned up blood, that is all."