Fans attack Doherty's tour bus

Seven music fans were arrested after trouble flared when a gig by controversial rock star Pete Doherty's new band was cancelled, police said today.

The disturbance took place outside Aberdeen's Lemon Tree venue where the ex-Libertines singer was supposed to be performing with Babyshambles last night.

Twenty police officers - including a dog handler - had to be called in to bring the incident under control as fans crowded round the band's tour bus when it tried to leave.

Seven men, all in their early 20s, will be reported to the procurator fiscal and are expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on public order offences.

Doherty is on tour with Babyshambles following his break from The Libertines while he deals with his well-documented drug problems.

The gig was cancelled due to a "problem" with the frontman, Grampian Police said.

Around 550 fans awaiting the arrival of Babyshambles on stage were evacuated from the West North Street premises at around 11pm, after the fire alarm was activated.

In the street outside, fans crowded around the band's tour bus as it was trying to leave.

One male police officer sustained a neck injury in the melee, but a police spokesman said today he had not been assaulted.

Officers eventually escorted the band's bus from the scene to their hotel.

This summer, Doherty's battle with drug addiction saw The Libertines pull out of several festivals, including the Isle of Wight, before going on to play gigs without him.

He was given a four-month suspended sentence at Thames Magistrates' Court in London earlier this month for possession of a flick knife.

Doherty was jailed for six months last year after burgling the house of his then bandmate Carl Barat.

He has since been kicked out of the band because of his wayward behaviour and drug addiction.