Gun terror for landlord

Jul 1 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

A PUB landlord was held at gunpoint by a masked raider and told he would die if he did not stuff fistfuls of cash into a plastic bag.

Alder Bradford, 48, was counting the weekend’s takings at 9am yesterday when a man wearing a motorcycle helmet walked into The Old Mill in rural Knitsley, County Durham, and produced a gun.

The attacker thrust the pistol into Mr Bradford’s face and forced him to place a substantial sum of money into a plastic bag. He then fled on a motorcycle.

Six armed police response units arrived within 15 minutes and a helicopter search ensued, but officers were unable to trace the man.

Last night Mr Bradford, who has owned the pub for two and a half years, said: “I was sitting near the window counting the takings. I didn’t even hear him come in.

“The gun was a silvery-black colour. He was screaming, ‘Put the money in the bag, put the money in the bag or I will kill you’.

“He brought in an empty carrier bag and I just put the money in. It was the whole weekend’s takings.

“I was trying my best to study the gun, but I couldn’t tell if it was real or fake. I’m still thinking about it, it happened so quickly I couldn’t believe it.”

At the time of the attack, there were three members of staff in the building and two people asleep in the hotel guest rooms.

Mr Bradford said: “I’m just pleased no one was hurt, but I want to see him caught. It could have been so much worse. I followed him outside with the pub’s handyman, Michael.

“There was nothing we could do though because I was trying to ring the police.”

The attack has stunned the rural community of Knitsley.

A nearby homeowner, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s terrible. We were in there on Saturday night having a meal.

“I think because it’s such remote area maybe they thought they wouldn’t have any problems getting away.

“It’s frightening though, it’s normally such a quiet place. Everyone is talking about it.”

Police last night confirmed that an investigation was under way as they attempted to catch the thief. A spokesman said: “At around 8.45am, the lone robber, dressed in a motorcycle helmet and dark clothing, calmly walked in to the pub.

“The landlord was alone when the gunman walked in and because the pub is very isolated, it is unclear which direction the motorcyclist went, but we believe it was towards Consett. We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area who might have seen the motorcyclist or anything suspicious. Please call 0845 606-0365.”