Pub Raided By Men With Samurai Swords

Detectives are investigating an armed robbery at the White Swan pub in Mansbridge, Southampton, at around 11.15pm on Sunday, June 10.

Three men, believed to be carrying short bladed samurai swords and with their faces covered, forced entry into the pub soon after closing time and demanded money from the landlord.
 
The landlord was pursued by one of the men who threatened him and demanded he hand over the undisclosed takings, thought to be several thousand pounds, from the safe. During the melee the landlord received an injury to his face which required treatmentat Southampton General Hospital.
 
The offenders then left the premises and fled the scene.
 
Three other members of staff were in the pub at the time but managed to flee to safety in another part of the building.
 
Detective Inspector Dave Nealon who is leading the investigation said: “This was a particularly harrowing and unpleasant experience for the landlord and his staff and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the Mansbridge area at the time who may beable to assist us with our enquiries. 
 
“If you were at the pub and had left just before closing time, did you see or hear anything?  Did you see a vehicle parked in the car park or adjacent roadside?  Did you see a vehicle leave the A27 in either direction from the pub at speed? 
 
“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may appear, we want to hear from you.”
 
Officers are also looking at two previous incidents where licensed premises in the area were targeted in similar circumstances in the last two months and officers are not ruling out that all three are potentially linked.
 
On April 9 Banana Wharf in Southampton was targeted and then on June 4, the Fox and Hounds in Bursledon was entered while the staff were cashing up.  In both incidents the offenders were masked and carrying some form of weapon. 
 
Detective Inspector Nealon added: “We would like to ask all licensees to review and tighten their security and ensure their CCTV is working and recording. 

"We would also ask them to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or vehicles they maysee in or around the premises; especially when cashing up or closing for the day.

"If you are unhappy about the identity of anyone knocking or attempting entry after closing time then do not facilitate this, call 999. These crimes are occurring when premisesare cashing up and crime prevention advice and tactics for identifying offenders can be provided at any time to concerned licensees. If you would like to talk to us about crime prevention, please contact the Crime Prevention Officer at Southampton Central policestation.”
 
Anyone who has information or who can assist the police should phone Bitterne District CID on 101 or anonymously on the Crimestoppers charity line on 0800 555 111.