BAILIFFS moved in at a popular Selby nightspot - but the owners say it will still be open for business tonight.

Furniture, booze and lighting equipment was carried out of Disco Inferno, in Water Lane, in the middle of the afternoon.

One onlooker, who asked not to be named, said: "The bailiffs forced their way into Disco Inferno.

"There was a locksmith there, drilling the locks out.

"I saw the bailiffs take away some stock - mainly beer and some furniture. There was no sign of the management."

Until recently, the club was run by Selby businessmen Ian Wright and Andy Boycott. The premises are owned by pub company Punch Taverns.

Ian Wright, previously a York-based firefighter and former chairman of Selby Chamber, said he had been joint leaseholder at the club, until about a month ago.

"I haven't got anything to do with it now," he said. "But as far as I'm aware, Disco Inferno is still open."

Mr Wright - who left the fire service in April 2004 to open Club Seven, previously known as Gems, in Ousegate - confirmed he had been made bankrupt about two months ago.

He is still manager at the Riverside Bar, in Ousegate.

Mr Wright had held a joint lease at Disco Inferno with Mr Boycott.

Mr Boycott was not available for comment at the time of going to press.

A Punch Taverns spokesman said: "Bailiffs have been present at Disco Inferno, relating to the dissolution of the business partnership running the bar.

"The business partners are not employed directly by Punch Taverns, but are leaseholders with us.

"The venue will be open as normal this weekend. In practice Mr Boycott is now the sole leaseholder, but the legal process to make that official is still ongoing."