[30 SEP 00] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Armed Robbery at the Maypole Inn

A pub licensee was stabbed in the hand as he confronted thieves armed with a shot gun in a village near Atherstone.

The man was alone with a female friend at the Maypole Inn pub at The Common, Baddesley Ensor at 4am today.

The woman went downstairs to use the toilets and came across two men in the bar area, taking money from the till.

They were armed with a knife, and what appeared to be a shot gun.

The licensee confronted the two men and a struggle broke out, during which he received a knife wound to his left hand.

Eventually he managed to break free and ran to a neighbouring house to raise the alarm.

His friend hid in the toilets, and the intruders escaped. No shots were fired during the incident.

The licensee was treated at the George Eliot hospital, and has been kept in overnight for treatment.

DS Roy Wheelwright appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

He particularly called on anyone who saw a red Peugeot 306, registration L157 GOG to come forward, as the car was seen in the area at the time, and might have been used in the incident.

Anyone who can help police should call Atherstone CID on 1926 415000.