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.

11:50 - 2010-Apr-27 - post comment