Armed bandit robs cash in early-morning pub raid

CUSTOMERS came to the rescue in an alleged armed holdup at a Waterford West pub early last Thursday morning.
Police say staff were forced by a gun-wielding bandit to take cash from tills and poker machines – money which was stashed into a staff member’s backpack.
A man was charged in relation to the robbery on Friday.
As the man was allegedly with staff and taking money, customers escaped from a female accomplice and called police.
Police allege the couple were driving a red Mazda 323 hatchback.
The pair allegedly entered through the front door into the gaming room where the woman sat, while the man walked behind the bar into the back office where he stole a 24-year-old female employee’s backpack.
A 29-year-old female employee was in the office at the time and confronted the man who produced a firearm.
The man allegedly instructed the two staff members to lock the front doors.
As the 29-year-old employee was approaching the front doors, two patrons entered the hotel and were instructed by the armed man to sit in the gaming room with the woman.
Upon realising the woman was unarmed, the customers left the premises and contacted police.
Neither the two employees or two customers were injured.