Bar owned by Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall takes extra steps to avoid sexual assault

A bar owned by Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall is taking extra steps to avoid any instances of sexual assault.

Arbeia in South Shields operates under the pop star's watchful eye and is the latest business in the North East to take part in training delivered by a dedicated Violence Reduction Unit.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness is heading up the programme after finding that 43% of sexual harassment and 44% of unwanted sexual touching last year happened in city centres including bars and clubs.

Ms McGuinness was in attendance alongside bartenders, door staff and club managers at the Little Mix star's business as the training took place.

The training aims to educate night-time economy staff about vulnerability, identifying risks and their duty of care.

The Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I just love that cities and towns across our region are known for offering the best night out but it’s incredibly important to me that we are the safest too.

"Everyone has the right to feel safe whatever they are doing; whether they are on the dance floor or getting a taxi home.

“There is a real passion amongst everyone involved and everyone taking part in the training, to make change, to make sure we’re all safe. Being grabbed, followed, touched up – whatever - it’s all very, very wrong and we want to support staff who are in a position to look out for others.

"This whole campaign of work is about saying we won’t stand for it, and this is how we can help.”

The vulnerability training is part of the ongoing force-wide ‘Fun without Fear’ campaign led by Rape Crisis, Northumbria Police and local authorities.

The campaign aims to promote behaviour change, encourage reporting and signpost victims to help and support.

Thirlwall's business is in her hometown of South Shields and opened in 2019, initially under the name Red Door.

It was renamed in 2020 to pay homage to the town's Roman heritage.

You won't often catch the singer in the bar, but she has been known to make a surprise visit and belt out a spot of karaoke.