Village anger asbonfire nightends in violence

VILLAGERS have condemned a gang who ruined a local bonfire celebration at Brede.
The Rainbow Trout, Brede. 4/11/13The Rainbow Trout, Brede. 4/11/13
The Rainbow Trout, Brede. 4/11/13

The group, who were at least five strong, went on the rampage when closing time was called at the Rainbow Trout Pub, in Chitcombe Road, Broad Oak on Sunday night.

The pub had staged a successful bonfire and fireworks night which many local people had attended.

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Staff at the pub were assaulted and windows and light fittings damaged causing hundreds of pounds of damage.

Police were called and five men were taken into custody.

Rye police sergeant Warren Downs said: “The landlord acted very correctly and responsibly. The attack is quite sickening.”

The damage was so bad that the pub had to close on Monday in order for it to be sorted out.

A spokesman at the pub on Monday said: “Some staff members were assaulted and received cuts and bruises but were not seriously hurt.

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It is too early to estimate the full cost of the damage caused.”

It is has been said that the group, from Westfield, had smuggled their own alcohol in to the event and reacted when they were asked to leave.

People in the village were quick to vent their anger through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

The landlord posted on Facebook: “It was a wonderful day, with a great village atmosphere only to be spoilt by a bunch of thugs refusing to leave at closing time who went on to assault us both and smash up the pub.”

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One resident commented: “I don’t know why people think it is acceptable to act like that - it’s disgusting.” others branded the offenders as ‘mindless’.

Martyn Channon commented: “These people have worked so hard to bring the pub back to life.”

More than 50 people contacted the pub to offer help and send messages of support.

One angry resident said: “I hope they get what’s coming to them. You can see why vigilante action takes place.”

Five people have been arrested.

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