THE Prince of Wales pub faces losing its licence after a string of violent incidents including two police officers being trapped inside by "hostile customers".

Thames Valley Police has called for the Tilehurst boozer to have its right to sell alcohol revoked following concerns the landlord Andrew Parker is unfit to run the premises.

Among the violent outbursts in recent years was what the force describe as "an extremely serious incident" which saw up to thirty officers attempt free colleagues who had been temporarily held captive.

On January 8 police were called after reports a fight inside the School Road pub had spilled out onto the streets with a knife and pool cues being used as weapons.

Two firearms officers arrived with Tasers but were blocked in while Mr Parker threatened to set his dog on them.

In the application seeking for the licence review it read: "The responding officers, in order to gain access to the premises, had to affect a forced entry as they were being prevented from getting in.

"Once entry had been made the officers were met with a high level of hostility from those inside.

"The result of this incident led to the arrest of four members of the Parker family for obstruction as well as affray, one of them being the premises licence holder."

Other incidents noted in the application - which will go before Reading Borough Council's licensing committee next Thursday - include: - a drunk mother with a young baby pulling at people's hair - a customer losing a tooth after an assault from Mr Parker - a fight involving thirty people started after a drunk customer was refused any more alcohol.

Drug swabs of both toilets also showed signs of cocaine and MDMA use over the course of three inspection between June 2014 and January 2016.

Mike King, licensing officer for Thames Valley Police, said in their application: "During the investigation and from the reports it is clear that Andrew Parker is an aggressive man who uses violence in trying situations.

"This trait is not what is expected or welcomed of a person with the responsibility for a premises whose main function is the sale of alcohol."

He added: "To necessitate the police to force and entry to a premises following a serious public order incident where two officers were trapped by hostile customers, who had to call for urgent assistance, coupled with the other incidents outlined in this application, Thames Valley Police consider the revocation of the premises licence is the only appropriate option."