BLUE Story, a gang film made by the BBC, was axed from cinemas after 25 incidents were reported including 100 yobs armed with machetes and knives clashed on its opening evening.

Vue cinemas defended their decision to pull the film from all of their cinemas following "the biggest number" of reports of violence they "have ever seen".

In an updated statement today, the company said the decision to full the film "was not one taken lightly or without careful consideration".

It said: "The film opened in 60 of our sites across the UK and Ireland on Friday, November 22, but during the first 24 hours were reported and escalated to senior management in 16 separate cinemas.

"This is the biggest number we have ever seen for any film in such a short period of time."

Vue added that despite taking measures by increasing security and reducing the number of screenings the decision to axe the film was made "on grounds of safety alone".

It comes after seven cops were hurt as they tried to desperately control brawling scenes for 90 minutes at the screening of Blue Story at the Vue cinema at Star City in Birmingham on Friday.

Two machetes and a knife were recovered after armed police swooped just after 5.30pm on Friday night.

And disturbing images have emerged of a baby-faced teenager wearing a Camo jacket and holding what appears to be a large machete.

Footage also shows terrified crowds evacuated as cops arrested at least five people including a 13-year-old girl on suspicion of assaulting police.

Another girl and boy aged just 14 and a 19-year-old were also arrested, while a 14-year-old male was held on suspicion of obstructing police.

The violence broke out before or during a screening of the gang warfare film Blue Story and spilled out into areas where children were queuing to see Frozen 2.

Vue axed the film — developed and funded by BBC Films — from its 228 cinemas nationwide to protect staff and customers.

In a pre-recorded message to its viewers, the cinema service line said: "We regret that we will no longer be screening the film Blue Story at any of our venues.

"Should you have a booking for this film, please say cancellation when prompted and a member of our team will be with you shortly to assist you with your booking."

A Vue spokesman said: "We can confirm a decision was made to remove the film. "The safety and welfare of our customers and staff is always our first priority."

The movie features two pals caught up in a postcode gang war in South London and contains guns, swords and drugs. It includes flashy music video-style interludes.

Showcase Cinemas has also cancelled screenings at its 21 theatres nationwide. Cineworld will continue showing the movie. Odeon said it was reviewing security measures.

Blue Story director Andrew Onwubolu, a rapper and YouTube sensation known as Rapman, posted on Instagram: “It’s truly unfortunate that a small group can ruin things for everybody. Blue Story is a film about love, not violence.

“I hope blame is placed with the individuals and not an indictment of the film itself.”

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