‘Knifeman’ in threat to burn down pub
AMAN ran into a Southport pub waving a “12-inch kitchen knife” at staff and drinkers before threatening to burn the place down.
The man had been drinking in the Hoghton Arms, on Hoghton Street, on Saturday night when he is said to have become aggressive.
Pub owner Craig Winder says the man went outside before staff had chance to tell him to leave, so Craig followed him to refuse him entry back in.
Craig told Visiter.co.uk: “Shortly after we went back inside, he came running in with this massive kitchen knife, threatening everyone.
“He was shouting that he was going to torch the pub.”
Craig says the Hoghton Arms doesn’t have security staff, as the pub is only open until 11pm. The incident took place at around 9pm.
Craig continued: “He threw the knife on the bar but before I could grab it he had hold of it again.
“Then he ran outside, smashed our windows, and casually walked off down Hoghton Street.
“It was shocking to say the least, we’ve never had anything like that happen before. Just glad nobody was hurt.”
It is believed the man was later apprehended by police on Seabank Road, less than half a mile away from the scene.
Merseyside Police has been approached for further comment.