Black Lion ‘assault’: Police say woman celebrating her 25th birthday at Bishop’s Stortford pub was injured accidentally

Police investigating a report of an assault on a woman celebrating her 25th birthday at a pub in Bishop’s Stortford say she was injured accidentally.

The incident happened at the Black Lion in Bridge Street at around 2am on Sunday October 27.

Megan Wood required treatment at Harlow’s Princess Alexandra Hospital after she was reportedly struck in the face.

Two days later, Megan, who lives in Epping and works as a receptionist for a car dealer in Harlow, went to the minor injuries unit at Cheshunt because of continued pain in her eye.

But today (Wednesday), a spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “CCTV footage of the incident has been reviewed by officers in co-operation with the venue. This footage has shown that the injuries were inflicted accidentally.

“The injured woman has been updated by officers and reassured that she was not the victim of a deliberate assault.

“Officers have now concluded their enquiries. Thank you to everyone who assisted with the investigation.”

The Indie reported at the time that Megan’s incident was one of three “assaults” on women at the Black Lion that night that were reported to police.

Megan told the Indie she had no recollection of the incident and had received conflicting reports.

She was enjoying birthday drinks with friends when she was struck by a man wearing a green top.

She came round dazed and confused, with one cheek swollen and her left eye throbbing.

Other women at the pub that night alleged on social media that they too had been targeted by the man, who “tried to punch” them and threw drinks in their faces.

“We only wanted to go out for a couple of drinks and it all went wrong!” said Megan.

“I’ve been told it was a complete accident and he was swinging at the girl sitting next to me in the pub’s smoking area, but was also told that he was aiming for me.

“I have absolutely no memory of it and don’t even remember seeing him beforehand.

“I was out for the night as it was my birthday the day before (Friday) and had been on the dance floor and been drinking. I then went to the smoking area for a vape and was talking to a girl with short blonde hair.

“The next thing I know I’ve come round and I’m crying and don’t know why. Everyone was looking at me and I heard someone say ‘That girl’s been punched’.

“I must have gone into shock as I was switching between laughing and crying and my eye was killing me.”

Megan praised Black Lion staff for looking after her. She was taken to her friend’s house in Old Harlow, where her friend’s mother suggested she be taken to hospital.

“I don’t remember the guy at all, but my friend said she chased after him but didn’t know where he went. My mum reported it to police about 4am that morning.

“I’m really unsure if I was knocked out. The police said they’d check the CCTV and see if it looks like I was knocked out.”