Pub regulars fight off raiders

Three raiders got more than they bargained for as they were attacked and chased out of a pub by regulars.

One local launched a chair at a masked intruder during the attempted raid, caught on CCTV, at the Sylvan Pub in Timperley, south Manchester.

The trio of raiders burst into the pub, with one vaulting the bar to get the till, shortly before closing time.

But a number of regular customers were still in the pub and, along with staff, fought off the men.

Customers tried to restrain one intruder, but he broke free and the three men then fled.

As they were leaving the premises, one of the men stumbled and lost his trainer, which was left on the floor in the pub.

Police are now appealing for information about the raid, at 10.50pm on Sunday September 25.

Detective Constable Andrew Taylor, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "These would-be thieves didn't anticipate when they walked into the pub that they would be fought off by the customers who were still inside, meaning they fled empty-handed and one of the robbers also lost his shoe.

"I must commend the bravery of these people. As you can clearly see from the footage, they confronted the three men with no thought for their own safety in an attempt to detain them.

"We are determined to identify those responsible for this attempted robbery and stop them from targeting other businesses in the area.

"If you saw these men running away from the pub at just after 10.50pm on that Sunday night, or if you have any other information that may help our investigation, please get in touch. All calls will be treated in confidence."

All three offenders left via the front main door and then turned right, heading down Woodhouse Lane East towards Milton Drive.

The man who jumped over the bar is white and is described as being of thin build, around 6ft in height, and was wearing all black clothing and a hoodie. He was also wearing a black face covering.

The two other men were also wearing hoodies and face coverings.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at Trafford CID on 0161 856 7671 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: PA