Pub's landlord is robbed at gunpoint

2:05am Tuesday 1st July 2008

A PUB landlord has told how a motorcyclist robbed him of his takings at gunpoint.

The lone biker walked into The Old Mill pub, Knitsley, near Delves Lane, Consett, at 8.45am yesterday.

Licencee Alder Bradford, 48, was sitting in the bar counting his takings from the weekend, when the helmet-clad robber struck.

He pointed a handgun and ordered him to put the money in a bag.

Mr Alder, who has been in charge of the pub for two-and-a-half years, said: "I thought it was the chef at first, because he rides a bike, and he was having a joke.

"But his behaviour changed and he became more and more agitated.

"He was swearing and said he was going to shoot me and kill me.

"I thought about lifting the table up over him, but it is not worth taking the risk."

After the robbery, the gunman calmly left and rode off.

No shots were fired and no one was hurt. It came only days after the venue was targeted by vandals, who caused £15,000 worth of damage to a marquee where a school prom was to be held.

The amount the biker made off with is yet to be established, but police described it as significant.

Detective Sergeant Tony Dumighan said: "Although there were other people on the premises, the landlord was alone when the gunman walked in.

"The public house is very isolated, and it is unclear what direction the motorcyclist took after the raid, although we believe it could have been in the direction of Delves Lane and Consett.

"We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and has seen the motorcyclist or anyone else acting suspiciously."

The marquee, regularly used for weddings and other large events, was targeted on Wednesday and was the venue for Moorside Community Technology College's prom night.

It went ahead after teachers and other community members rallied together to make it a success.

Mr Bradford said: "I was already feeling down about the marquee business, but this was much worse.

"The thing is, I have always thought it could happen because of the rural location.

"It is enough to make you sell up, but you just have to keep going. You cannot let scum beat you."

Police are investigating both crimes and anyone with information can call 0845-60-60-365.

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