Police have issued an appeal for witnesses after cash and jewellery were stolen during a burglary at a pub in East Huntspill over the weekend.
Two men gained entry to a residential part of The Crown Inn in Church Road just after 9pm on Friday night (November 22nd).
They ran off with the valuables to a waiting vehicle, believed to be a white Audi SUV, in nearby Cornmoor Crescent and were chased by three customers and the pub landlord.
One of the men threatened the pursuers with a large knife before they jumped into the vehicle and drove off at speed towards Woolavington.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, the pub’s Kathryn Cooke said: “It was a very frightening incident.”
“We were the victims of a serious aggravated burglary – the men gained entry into our house and I only realised someone was inside when I went to get something. Myself and three customers chased after the two men, who were both white, aged in their 30s with local accents.”
“They ran towards their car which was waiting across the road with a driver. The lads from the pub challenged them but they were threatened with large knives.”
“The men then drove their vehicle at me and I had to quickly get out the way. We didn’t see the driver – all were dressed in black with balaclavas.”
“One of the lads managed to kick the vehicle’s door as it drove away so it could be damaged.”
“They stole money and jewellery which had a lot of sentimental value to me.”
She adds: “We were so shaken up by the whole incident that we couldn’t face opening on Saturday night.”
“The police are treating the incident very seriously – the gang could be responsible for other incidents in the area.”
The pub was closed on Saturday while Police began their investigation, and it re-opened on Sunday for business as normal.
While several pieces of the jewellery were found on Saturday morning dropped in the road outside, Kathryn says that they had been severely damaged after being driven over.
A Police spokesman said: “Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a house in Church Road, East Huntspill.”
“It happened at about 9pm on Friday 22 November. Witnesses saw two masked men leave the house. They made off in a white car driven by a third man. The vehicle, described as an Audi Q7, was driven towards Woolavington.”
“The thieves had stolen cash and jewellery. One was about 5ft 6ins tall and stocky, wearing a white track suit.”
“The other was of a similar height and build wearing a black track suit.”
If you can help the police investigation get in touch through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101 quoting reference 5219270830. Alternatively, ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.
