Waltham Abbey: Knifepoint Pub Robbery

13 May 2012, 09:30

Armed thieves have targeted an Essex pub, with staff and customers threatened with a knife.

Two men both armed with knives ran into the Wheatsheaf at Crooked Mile shortly after 11pm on Friday May 11.

They demanded money from the till and forced two members of staff to hand over a four-figure sum.

A staff member got a slight cut to his hand while being threatened by one of the thieves.

Nine customers were also threatened at knifepoint and were ordered to hand over any mobile phones. 

Three mobiles were stolen and two customers also had their handbags searched but nothing was taken.

The thieves both ran off after about two minutes in the pub.

Investigating officer DS Michael Orr said: 'This was an extremely frightening incident for the staff and customers. 

'The thieves were brandishing what we believe were large kitchen knives and one member of staff was slightly injured during the incident. 

'We believe that the two thieves had been pacing up and down the road outside the pub for about 30 minutes before they rushed in.

'We want to hear from anyone who saw them either before the robbery or afterwards when they ran off on foot.'

The men were both aged in their 20s and were both wearing black hooded tops, black jogging bottoms and black trainers. 

One of them was black, about 6ft tall and of large muscular build. The other man was white, about 5ft 10in and of slim build.

Anyone with information should contact the police  on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.