Brutal attack at Heartsease Pub

Police hunt for masked assailant who left barman mentally and physically battered.

Wednesday 28th July 2010

A local pub barman has been left mentally scarred after a savage attack at the hands of an unknown assailant. Lee Thrower, 32, after performing the last of his nightly managerial duties, was brutalised by a masked intruder, despite offering no resistance to demands for money.

Police have released images, taken from CCTV footage, in an effort to apprehend the robber. The assault left Mr Thrower so badly injured and traumatised that he is considering whether to ever return to full-time bar work.

The attack took place at around 12.30am on Monday, July 19th. By all accounts, it should have been an uneventful shift for Mr. Thrower - but with a wedding on the preceding Saturday and live music on the Sunday, the till had taken well and the pubs' safe was full.

Only a regular, or someone close to the running of the premises could have had such knowledge, argues landlord Gordon Thwaites:

"...there was between £6,000 and £7,000 in the safe. Whoever did this must have known there would be a lot of money on the premises."

He went on to mention the wider effect the burglary has had on the Heartsease, situated on Plumstead Road.

“All of the staff have been horrified by this. Every time a customer comes in, you wonder whether they're the one who did it.”

The assailant left Mr. Thrower with a fractured cheekbone, and, in a calculating move designed to delay any police intervention, stole the barmans' phone. He then made off with thousands of pounds.

Along with releasing CCTV footage, police are appealing for any further information. Det. Con. Pete Williams, of Bethel Street CID:

“This was a particularly nasty incident which resulted in the victim needing hospital treatment. We are very keen to speak to anyone who believes they may recognise the man in the images or who has any information relating to the incident.”

Det. Con. Williams - (0845) 456 4567

Crimestoppers (anonymous contact) - (0800) 555111.