Staff at the Bellside Inn in Cleland had a close escape from a potentially nasty incident last week.
The incident took place on 30th January around 10.30pm. The 65 year old owner of the Bellside Inn and his staff were extremely frightened and shook up by the incident.
The proprietor of the bar was working in the premises when a man entered. The proprietor recognised him from the previous week, when he was in the company of another man who had attempted to pass a fraudulent £20 note to pay for drinks. As the proprietor knew of this incident he naturally asked the man to show him the banknote he intended to use, and told him that he recognised him from the previous week. At this stage the suspect became extremely angry and strongly denied being in the premises previously. He began shouting and swearing at the proprietor, leaning into his face and acting very aggressively. At this point the suspect gestured with his left hand, as if he had a knife concealed in the waistband of his trousers. The proprietor and other staff were very shaken up at this point, particularly as the suspect appeared to be heavily under the influence of a controlled substance. The man then ran from the pub and jumped into a dark coloured VW Golf motor vehicle.
Police attended at the Inn and took several statements from witnesses. They also carried out a systematic search of the area; however, with no success. Enquiries are continuing and officers are appealing for any information.
The suspect who first tried to pass off the fraudulent bank note was described as being white, aged around 20, and around 5'6" to 5'7" with a slim build. He had blonde hair, shaved but with 3 stripes shaved into both sides of his head, coming down to form a V-shape at the back of his head. At the time of the incident he was wearing a tan coloured jacket and trousers.
The second suspect who threatened the staff was aged around 20 and around 6 feet tall. He had a heavy build and short black hair, receding on top. He was wearing a blue or black anorak-type jacket and dark jeans.
If you have any information please call Wishaw Police Station or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
