Just before 8pm last Saturday a dramatic scene unfolded in a Stockton pub as an alleged armed robber was overcome by patrons at The Boatrowers Hotel, following a stabbing.
A 30-year-old man, allegedly armed with several weapons, entered the pub threatening patrons before stabbing a senior citizen.
Witnesses intervened and held down the man until police arrived.
Police claimed to have seized several weapons following a search of the man, who was treated by paramedics at the scene before being escorted to John Hunter Hospital, where he was kept under police guard.
Police also seized a Holden sedan for forensic examination, which was located on nearby Forfar Street, as part of the investigation.
The 79-year-old victim, who had left the scene, was later found and taken to the same hospital for treatment.
Early yesterday morning a post on The Boatrowers’ Facebook page spoke of the pub’s appreciation and respect for its community after announcing it would be closed for the day.
“Due to last night’s incident we have decided that the hotel will remain closed today out of care & respect to our brave staff and heroic patrons,” the post said.
The Boatrowers Hotel has been operated since May 2022 by GDM Hotels, a partnership between publican Matt Coleman, Dylan Davie and George Wright.
Police inquiries are ongoing.
