A husband has spoken of his terrifying ordeal after he and his wife were attacked by a masked gang during a break-in at their pub.
The manager of the Legh Arms in Adlington was hit in the face several times during the violent raid by three men on Monday night.
His 26-year-old wife and 63-year-old mother-in-law, who were in the flat above the London Road pub, were dragged to the office where the trio were ordered to open the safe.
The offenders stole cash before escaping in an unknown vehicle.
Detectives have now launched as manhunt for the men, who assaulted all three victims.
Speaking of their ordeal, the manager, who asked not to be named, said he was traumatised by the violence.
The 40-year-old said: “It was 11.10pm and we were closed for the night. I went out of a side door to my car and was set upon. The gang must have been sat there waiting, or trying to jimmy the door to get in.
“The level of violence was unreal and instant. There was no chance for me to resist.
“I was hit by a fist or weapon several times in the face until I dropped to my knees.
“They then went to my wife and mother-in-law who were upstairs and frogmarched us to the office.
“There were punches and kicks to all of us. My mother-in-law was dragged about by her hair.
“Physically, I have bruises all over my face, but the main thing is the psychological damage.
“We are not green to this industry, but this was something else.”
Police said all three men are white and wore grey clothes and black balaclavas.
One man was described as 5’ 9” tall and slim, while another was between 5’ 6” to 5’ 7” tall.
DC Tim Berry said: “I would urge anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area from 9pm onwards, or has any information to contact police.”
Anyone with information should contact DC Tim Berry on 101 quoting incident number 1056 of May 6, 2013. Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
