Police Question 19-Year-Old Hayden Panettiere For Sneaking Into A 21-And-Over Nightclub

Hayden Panettiere, 19, was questioned by police after admitting to sneaking into a nightclub through a side door. The "Heroes" actress was spotted at 21-and-over New York venue NV Lounge by door men and was asked to produce identification to prove she was old enough to be in the club.

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When club managers refused to return her driver's license due to the venue's policy, a furious Hayden called police to intervene.

Detective Craig Long said: "When my officers arrived on the scene we questioned Panettiere. I asked her if she tried to buy alcohol and she denied it. Panettiere told me that someone opened the side door of the nightclub so she could go inside and say hello to friends, not buy drinks."

Hayden entered the club shortly after 9pm with six friends through an employee entrance and was spotted by suspicious staff just 10 minutes later.

After being asked to leave, the star insisted she needed her confiscated license to travel to California to meet her boyfriend, "Heroes" co-star Milo Ventimiglia.

Hayden's license was returned after it was verified as genuine by officers at the scene. NV Lounge did not press charges.

Jon Turco, whose band was headlining on the night in question last month, said: "We were all excited to have her there. It's a shame she didn't get to stay and enjoy the show."