Police who visited a historic Southampton pub after a complaint about a mock slavery poster have said no crime has been committed.

A punter complained the Red Lion in Southampton was showing the replica newspaper front page from 1820. It had been on display for more than 25 years.

With a history dating back to 1148, the Grade II listed pub has many historical ties that are celebrated through the pub’s aesthetic and interior design.

Suits of armour, historic crests and olden-day documents can be seen covering the interior of the venue – with a clear emphasis on the building’s long history as a Southampton public house.

One such item, a replica newspaper front page from 1820 advertising the sale of slaves, caught one resident by surprise.

Pub goer, Mike Rose, 38, previously said he was totally shocked when he saw the newspaper front, he ladled as “abhorrent and uncomfortable” and called for it to be removed.

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He added: “I’m a white man myself but find anything making reference to slavery completely abhorrent and not something to be celebrated on posters.

“The pub needs to immediately remove it.”

After Mike reported the poster to the licencing team at Southampton City Council and the police, Hampshire Constabulary said that they would investigate Mike’s complaint.

The police have now visited the premises and concluded that no crimes have taken place.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We received a report on Tuesday, February 27, in relation to a poster displayed in the Red Lion pub on Southampton High Street, which was a replica newspaper front page from 1820.

“Officers attended the pub to view the poster and assess if any crime had been committed. However, no crimes were identified.

“Officers have spoken to the man who reported the matter to explain why no further action will be taken.”

The Red Lion pub was approached for comment.