Landlord tied-up and injured in pub raid
A gang of masked thugs broke into a pub and tied up the landlord and his wife before making off with £6,000 cash and jewellery.
The intruders broke into the White Hart pub at The Green, Catsfield, at 3.40am on Monday.
Landlord Charlie and wife Mel were ambushed in accommodation above the pub by the men, who had covered their faces and were wearing dark clothing.
The couple were tied up and Charlie was struck over the head with an unknown object while the thieves helped themselves to the pub takings and various items of jewellery, including rings.
The men then made off in a nearby vehicle.
The couple managed to free themselves after around 15 minutes and the police were called.
Paramedics treated Charlie for a head wound at the scene, but he was not taken to hospital.
A sign appeared on the door this week to say the White Hart was closed "due to a violent attack".
Police have been carrying out house to house enquiries and have appealed for anyone who may have seen a suspicious vehicle, or anyone acting suspiciously outside the pub, to come forward.
Chief Inspector Heather Keating, of rural Rother, said: "This is a serious crime which is unusual for Rother.
"It is an isolated incident and not believed to be linked to any similar crimes in Sussex.
"My Neighbourhood Policing Team will be patrolling the area to provide visibility and reassurance and I urge you to stop and talk to them if you have any information that can help us catch those responsible."
Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999, quoting Operation Sandbank, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
