Burglars who raided a pub in Purley at the weekend sprayed CS gas into the face of a manager as they made off with the night's takings.

The two suspects got in through the back door of the Jolly Farmers pub on Purley Cross after staff had locked up for the night.

The pair walked into the pub at 11.15pm on Sunday (January 27) threatening staff with a knife if they didn't hand over money.

A 26-year-old manager had a blade held to his throat and was sprayed in the face with CS gas while a 22-year-old female employee and a 19-year-old barman were also threatened.

The pair made off on foot after helping themselves to an undisclosed quantity of cash.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw the suspects, who wore scarves over their faces, running away from the scene on Sunday night.

Contact DC Simon Hunt at the South Norwood burglary squad on 020 8768 1212.

January 29, 2003 12:30