A publican was brutally hit in the head with the butt of a shotgun during an attempted robbery at Stock, near Billericay.

The raiders, wearing stockings or tights over their heads and wielding a sworn off shotgun, targeted the Old Kings Head Pub in Stock Road, after the customers had left on Tuesday.

Police have said the pair should be "regarded as dangerous" and have made an urgent appeal for witnesses following the attempted robbery.

The 40-year-old landlord and a female member of bar staff, who have not been identified, were preparing to lock up when the two masked gunmen entered the pub. One of the men pointed the shotgun at the publican's head and demanded he handed over cash. He was then hit in the head with the butt of the gun and told to lie on the floor next to the woman employee.

A bungled attempt was made by the raiders to tie the landlord's hands with plastic binding but after a struggle the raiders made off from the pub empty handed.

The landlord was taken to Basildon Hospital with bruising and was released later that day after receiving treatment.

The female employee was uninjured but was left severely shaken by the experience.

It was later discovered the landlord's Jaguar car window was broken, though police are not sure whether the two incidents are connected.

Det Insp Ewen Wilson, from Chelmsford CID, said: "This was a brutal and unnecessary attack by two men who must be regarded as dangerous.

"It is vital that anyone with information that will lead us to them contact us without delay."

Anyone with further information is asked to call Chelmsford CID on 01245 491212.

Published Thursday, June 5, 2003

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