Licensee wounded after confronting armed robbers

A licensee was stabbed after confronting two armed robbers brandishing a spade and a knife who broke into his Lancashire pub in the early hours of Monday (December 18) morning.

The robbery happened at just before 2am when the men broke in through the rear door of the Sea View, Preston Road at Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley.

According to police, the licensee confronted the pair but was assaulted before the offenders made off, possibly in a vehicle, with an amount of cash.

The licensee suffered minor stab wounds and a black eye and was taken to hospital, said police.

A second member of staff, a woman, was also threatened but was not harmed physically.

'Terrifying incident'

Detective Sgt Ian Derbyshire, of Chorley CID, said: “This was a terrifying incident for staff members involved, with the offenders clearly prepared to carry weapons and to use violence.

"It is fortunate the injuries sustained were relatively minor but these are dangerous offenders and we need to find them. I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious either at the time or before this incident to contact us.”

The first offender is described as white, between 5’5 – 5’8, wearing a white Purge mask, a Canada Goose-style jacket with a white logo on the outer side of the left upper sleeve, and black gloves. He spoke with a weird voice as though to conceal his accent and was armed with a spade.

The second man was white, between 5’5 – 5’8, wearing a black balaclava and black jacket. He spoke with a Scouse accent and was armed with a silver knife.

The Morning Advertiser contacted the Sea View, but no one was available to comment.

  • Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 0095 of Monday, 18 December, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.