Cherry Tree pub in Colchester is burgled by crooks

Anthony Davies, landlord of the Cherry Tree, said he is “glad no one was hurt” after burglars smashed their way into the boozer under the cover of darkness.

The raid took place in the early hours of Monday morning at the pub in Mersea Road, Colchester, while Mr Davies was asleep upstairs.

Essex Police is investigating after sending officers and a forensics team to the site.

Targeted - the Cherry Tree pub in Mersea Road, Colchester (Image: Google)

Mr Davies said: “There was tons of damage to the back of the pub and inside. It happened during the early hours of the morning.

“I am just glad no one was hurt. We live above the pub and luckily we were not interrupted.

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“If anyone knows what happened between 1am and 7am then I would urge them to please come forward.”

An Essex Police spokesman said it is aware of the pub being burgled, adding: “If you have any information regarding this offence please contact Essex Police or Crimestoppers.”

Burglary - Essex Police is investigating the break in (Image: Google)

The impact of the incident has shaken the community in Blackheath which holds the pub at its heart.

It is the latest in a spree of incidents in the area, with properties in Wethersfield Road and Finchingfield Way also recently targeted.

Berechurch councillor Dave Harris said he is “saddened” by the latest break in and called on residents to remain vigilant.

“Cherry Tree is a great pub. The landlord was devastated, he shouldn’t have to put up with this. We don’t want this happening in our area,” said the councillor.

Saddened - Berechurch councillor Dave Harris (Image: Newsquest)

“I feel for businesses like Cherry Tree who are trying to run their trade in trying times and make a living during a cost of living crisis.

“Local businesses such as the pub are what we want as it makes for a strong community. As soon as they go under our community is poorer for it.

“Cherry Tree is a great pub. The landlord was devastated, he shouldn’t have to put up with this. We don’t want this happening in our area.”

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