Axe-wielding man ‘threatens terrified families in Wetherspoons’ as pubgoers locked inside & cop helicopter deployed
COPS have arrested a man reported to be threatening people with an axe at a Wetherspoons pub – with terrified punters locked inside.
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers responded to calls at the White Hart Hotel in Okenhampton at around 6pm on Sunday.
The suspect then left the pub before officers had arrived at the scene and a helicopter was deployed to search for him.
A man in his 50s was arrested at around 8.20pm on suspicion of making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.
Police have confirmed that no one was injured.
A witness wrote on Facebook: “I would just like to say thank you to all the staff at J D Wetherspoon the White Hart Okehampton for their quick actions this evening locking us all in, as a group with children this made us feel quite safe when an incident happened, credit where credit is due.”
A force spokesperson said: “Police were called at 6pm on Sunday, April 13 to the White Hart Hotel in Okehampton, after a report that a man had entered in possession of a weapon.
“It was further reported that he had an axe and had made threats to members of the public.
“The man left the premises as the report was coming in and officers attended along with the police helicopter to search the area.
“At around 8.50pm officers arrested a man in his 50s on suspicion of making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.
“He remains in police custody at this time. Enquiries remain ongoing.”
Do you know more? Email ryan.merrifield@thesun.co.uk