Man in his 50s Arrested After Axe Threat in Devon Wetherspoon Pub
A man in his 50s was hauled in by police after allegedly threatening punters with an axe at the White Hart Hotel, a Wetherspoon pub in Okehampton, Devon.
Axe-Wielding Chaos at White Hart Hotel
The drama unfolded on Sunday evening at the Fore Street venue, where the man stormed in around 6pm brandishing the weapon and threatening customers. Emergency services were quick on the scene after concerned witnesses rang 999.
Police Swift to Act with Helicopter Search
Devon and Cornwall Police arrived to find the suspect had fled. A police helicopter was scrambled to hunt him down. By 8:50pm, officers had nabbed the 50-something and arrested him on suspicion of making threats to kill and possessing an offensive weapon.
“He remains in police custody at this time and enquiries remain ongoing,” a police spokesperson said. “Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.”
Community On Edge but Officials Reassure
The terrifying axe threat has left locals shaken, but police say the pub is safe and no further danger persists. Efforts to get a word from Wetherspoon have so far drawn a blank.
Ominous Pattern: Recent Violence at Wetherspoons
This nasty business comes on the heels of a violent knife fight back in January 2025 at a Kings Norton Wetherspoon in Birmingham. That brawl left three hurt, including the pub’s manager who needed surgery after a stab wound.
The spate of attacks is reigniting debate about pub security and the safety of those serving behind the bar.
Police Seek Witnesses
Devon and Cornwall Police continue to probe the motive behind the Okehampton axe incident. Anyone with info is urged to call 101, quoting reference 14/04/25.
