Thugs tie up barman in attack

TROUBLED city pub the Flying Horse is closed after thugs wrecked the premises and threatened a barman.

The member of staff was grabbed and locked in the pub's toilets for two hours during the attack.

And regulars were forced to flee the pub, in Dryden Road, Wonford, as three men stormed the building and smashed up its contents.

A witness claims two of the men covered the barman's head before imprisoning him in the toilets. The trio then ripped out the property's plumbing and piping then left.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which happened at around 11.15pm on Sunday, January 31, and are appealing for any witnesses to contact them.

One regular, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, told the Echo: "The place was completely smashed up and the barman was tied up and locked in the toilets for two hours before he freed himself.

He had a bag put over his head and is in a bad way with nerves now.

"There were quite a few people in the pub at the time. Everyone ran for their lives."

The pub's future had been in question following a number of incidents.

Police said it had been a haunt for drugs and anti-social behaviour since September 2008. They carried out raids in August and September last year after neighbours made several complaints to them and the city council.

And it was recently subject to a licensing review where new landlord Andrew Martin pledged to clean up the pub's image and waged a 'get links of london charms tough' campaign on drug-taking and anti-social behaviour.

The Echo understands Mr Martin has since left the Flying Horse.

The pub has displayed a sign on its door saying it is closed until further notice.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emily Sheppard said many witnesses were too afraid to contact police. But officers would offer those who did come forward as much protection as possible.

"During the incident, a man was over-powered and made to fear for his safety," she said. "I would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed anything to come forward. I know people are scared but if they can tell us what happened, then we will try to protect the.

"It is genuine fear and we understand that, but in order for us to get these people out of the public's way, we need people to speak to us."

A spokesman for Punch Taverns, which owns the Flying Horse, said: "We are fully cooperating with the police investigation and cannot comment further at this stage."

Three men, aged 23, 25 and 37, from the Exeter area, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with the incident. The 25-year-old and 23-year-old were also arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment.

All three have been given police bail until Thursday, April 8, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with any information can call Det Con Sheppard on 08452 777444 quoting crime reference DE/10/1030 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

10:50 - 2010-Apr-27 - comments {0} - post comment

Thunder get battering; RUGBY L

Gateshead Thunder............................. 12 Workington.......................................... 26 BROKEN noses, black eyes and dented pride coloured Gateshead Thunder's defeat yesterday, but Chris Hood was most concerned with his side's inability to turn pressure into points, writes NICK PUREWAL.

Admitting his men could have stolen a first Northern Rail Cup win had they not bungled a couple of late chances, rugby director Hood said the frustration in defeat is still a positive step forward.

Workington edged out Thunder at Gateshead Stadium despite the home men running in three tries. Thunder's postmatch changing room scene looked more like Accident and Emergency after a night on the Bigg Market, said Hood.

However, he is happy to patch up his players, provided they keep on improving. "A few of the guys were struggling after taking some interesting hits from Workington's ball-carrying techniques," said Hood, "but that's just one of those things.

"It wasn't pretty but you just get on with it, the biggest frustration is that we were in the position to take things forward and maybe get a result but we wasted several opportunities we worked hard to create.

"We must keep it in perspective though.

Given where we are in our development, after the off-season troubles and everything, I think we are doing pretty well.

"The fact we are all angry, frustrated and upset about a defeat to Workington is a positive step forward, but now we need to learn the lessons and step up again.

"We had a few late chances to change the outcome and didn't take them, and that cost us dear."

Thunder lost half-back Liam Duffy to a rib injury, and Hood hopes his backline leader will not be out for any length of time.

10:48 - 2010-Apr-27 - comments {0} - post comment

THUNDER PREVIEW

CHRIS Hood believes Gateshead Thunder can shunt star-studded York City Knights out of the Challenge Cup today.

Thunder entertain York at Gateshead Stadium (kick-off 3pm) in the third round of the showpiece competition, and Hood expects his men to replica breitling watches give the talented Knights a run for their money.

Welcoming Wallsend-born player-coach Chris Thorman back to the North East and the old stomping ground of his brothers and ex- Thunder men Paul and Neil, Thunder boss Hood warned his side to keep close tabs on the dangerous ball-player.

Thorman has taken on coaching duties after leaving Hull FC and Thunder rugby director Hood has tipped York to challenge for the Co- Operative One league title.

But despite the visitors' pedigree, Hood believes his side can overturn the odds and take several steps forward from last weekend's 40-12 league opening defeat at Hunslet.

He said: "The defeat last week didn't reflect the match very well and we were pretty good in a lot of areas. A couple of late tries glossed the result in their favour and if we can step up a few more levels today, then we have a great chance.

"It's always great to welcome local guys like Chris back, he Clip on charms is a quality player and a good man and he has done very well since he started out playing for Wallsend Eagles.

"He is still Super League quality and we know he is going to be dangerous to deal with - he will be keen to cause us problems."

Backing youth product Reece Young to continue to shine after his senior debut last week, Hood said the talented hooker has a lot to gain from working closely with firstchoice club hooker Ryan Clarke. Hood added: "We already have the best hooker in the competition but we have found someone who can give him real competition.

"It will help Ryan, when you have someone young and learning but hungry for game time with a lot of talent and promise, it forces you to perform. Ryan knows Reece will be breathing down his neck but he is also relishing the opportunity to help the young lad develop." GATESHEAD THUNDER: Jason Elliott, Robin Peers, Kevin Neighbour, Michael replica tag heruer watches Brown, Joe Brown, Will Bate, Liam Duffy, Tabua Cakacaka, Ryan Clarke, Chris Parker, Tom Wilson, Richie Humphries, Ade Aderiye, Matt Barron, Reece Young, Stephen Welton, David Cash.

10:46 - 2010-Apr-27 - comments {0} - post comment