Terror as armed raiders break into pub restaurant

Managers recalls moment he faced knife-wielding intruders

THE MANAGER at Curridge's Bunk Inn has told of the terrifying moment he came face to face with knife-wielding raiders.

The hooded burglars made their escape with an amount of cash after menacing 26-year-old Jack Ventura with their blades.

The incident happened at around 11.15pm on Friday, while unsuspecting diners were preparing to leave and drinkers were finishing their last glass.

Owner and licensee Nicola Clark said: “We were upstairs and heard noises. We investigated but saw nothing at that point. A minute later they were breaking down a door and I called out to Jack for help.”

He said: “Suddenly I was confronted by three men with dark hooded tops and knives. I was concerned because there were customers still in the bar but they didn't know what was happening.”

Although they did not speak, the trio snarled and made aggressive gestures towards Mr Ventura, forcing him to back away as they made their escape.

Ms Clark said: “Jack came in and said they had knives. He was worried for the customers and didn't want them to be alarmed.”

It was later discovered that the trio had escaped with around £200 in cash.

Ms Clark, pointing to damage caused to a side door which was smashed by the raiders, said: “It was a really horrible incident. Something like this makes you feel vulnerable - you never think something like this will happen to you until it does.

“Then you've got it all to deal with - the repairs as well as the emotional aspect - for the sake of a couple of hundred quid.”

Ms Clark took over the Bunk Inn in 2007 and set about transforming it. She said: “We've made lots of internal improvements and installed a new floor. We're trying to make a popular country retreat but still somewhere where locals can still enjoy a drink.

“We've also made lots of improvements to the menu and we're going to be aiming for our first AA star next year. This is the first time we've had an incident like this but we're not going to let it dishearten us.”

Thames Valley Police spokeswoman Lucy Billen said: “A 26-year-old man was confronted by three men and threatened with a knife. They didn't speak but grunted at him in an aggressive way but did not speak.

“They escaped through a side entrance with some money.”

She said detectives are looking for three white men aged between 18 and mid-20s, one with blue eyes, another with brown. The eye colour of the thirds is not known. All three were wearing black, hooded tops and jeans.