Vue has defended its decision to pull gangland film Blue Story, saying there were 25 "significant incidents" in the 24 hours after the film was released in its cinemas.

The chain said that it was not a decision it took lightly or without consideration, adding that 16 of its cinemas had faced problems linked to the film.

"This is the biggest number we have ever seen for any film in a such a short time frame," the chain said.

'They're taking our voice' - Blue Story actor

Image: Officers inside the Star City cinema in Birmingham after a large brawl

The company added: "Despite a range of precautionary measures in place, including increased security, removal of late-night showings and reduced screenings of the film, the decision to withdraw Blue Story in its entirety was made on Saturday evening on grounds of safety alone.

"While we are disappointed that these are the actions we have had to take, we hope it is understandable that we cannot, and will not, take any risks with regard to the welfare and safety of our staff and our customers.


"Unfortunately, the actions of a significant few have spoiled the opportunity for others, but we stand by our decision to withdraw the film from our schedule indefinitely."

The decision came after police were called to an entertainment complex in Birmingham on Saturday night after reports of young people with machetes.

Image: Rapman has spoken out after Vue Cinemas dropped his film

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Seven police officers were injured in the mass brawl, which was thought to involve 100 people close to the Vue cinema, and five teenagers were arrested - including a 13-year-old girl.

However Showcase Cinemas has said it will screen the film, after earlier on Monday saying it would not show it at its branches.

In a statement, a spokesman said: "We took the decision to temporarily suspend screenings of Blue Story to enable us to assess the situation.

"After careful consideration and discussions with the distributor in the last 24 hours, we have come up with a plan to reinstate screenings of the film supported with increased security protocols and will be doing so from this evening.

"We want to reassure our guests that their safety - and that of our staff members - is our absolute priority."

The Odeon group says it was currently reviewing its programming of the film in the wake of Saturday's events.

West Midlands Police says it made no recommendations about pulling the film to Vue, following Saturday's violence.

The films director and writer Andrew Onwubolu, who is known as Rapman, spoke out about the decision on Instagram on Sunday, calling the incident "unfortunate" but saying that he hoped it would not reflect on the film.

He said: "Sending love to all those involved in yesterday's violence at Star City in Birmingham.

"It's truly unfortunate that a small group of people can ruin things for everybody. Bluestory is a film about love not violence.

Image: Blue Story is about gangland London

"There were also a few incidents earlier this year with the release of The Joker, it's always unfortunate, but I hope that the blame is placed with the individuals and not an indictment of the film itself.

"I pray that we can all learn to live with love and treat each other with tolerance and respect."

Image: Rapman called the incident in Birmingham 'unfortunate' on Instagram. Pic: Instagram/ Rapman

In the caption, he seemed to directly address Vue's decision, saying his film is "playing in all major cinema chains except @vue".

The message was re-posted by Michael Ward, who plays Marco in the film and also appears in acclaimed Netflix gang series Top Boy.

BBC Films produced the movie, and said in a statement that Blue Story is an "outstanding, critically acclaimed debut feature which powerfully depicts the futility of gang violence".

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The statement went on: "It's an important film from one of the UK's most exciting new filmmakers which we're proud to be part of."

Paramount Pictures, the company that distributes the film, said it was saddened by the decision, calling the movie "an important film".

The film, which is rated 15, is centred on two friends from different areas of south London who end up on rival sides of a gang war.