Devon Pensioner Beaten In Pub Raid

An 80 year old's recovering after being beaten with an iron bar in a raid on a Devon pub.

It happened at the Market Inn in Whitchurch Road, Tavistock early August 14th.

Godfrey Perkins was woken up by noises downstairs. As he opened the door to the bar, the door was wrenched open by the offender on the other side.  He was knocked to the floor and hit with an iron bar.

Mr Perkins was so badly bruised and battered that he was taken to hospital.

He told our reporter Wendy Buckingham exactly what happened.   CLICK HERE

Investigating officer DC Jason Bryant said: 'This is a shocking and disturbing incident on an elderly and vulnerable man who is well-regarded in the local community.

"The offender has shown absolutely no hesitation to use violence, fortunately the victim has sustained only superficial injuries but the intensity of the attack could have led to much worse. 

"Thankfully this is not the norm for the area; all efforts are being made to trace the offender and police are conducting high-visibility and robust patrols in the area and carrying out house-to-house enquiries."

This is the second time the pub has been hit recently. Overnight on 4/5 August the pub was burgled with cash and other items being stolen.

 DC Bryant added: "We are asking for residents to be vigilant especially local pubs, to ensure minimal amounts of cash and valuables are left on the premises when closed, ensure security is checked and that doors and windows are locked."

 The offender was dressed in dark clothing and believed to have been wearing a balaclava. Police are appealing for witnesses, suspicious people nearby in and around the time (incident called in 0350hrs) or vehicle in the vicinity. Anyone with any information is asked to please call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime ref, JT/12/1012.