A man in his 50s has been arrested after allegedly threatening patrons with an axe at a Wetherspoon pub in Okehampton, Devon.
The alarming incident occurred on Sunday evening at the White Hart Hotel on Fore Street, a pub operated by J.D. Wetherspoon. Police were called to the scene at around 6pm following reports that a man had entered the premises and threatened customers with a weapon.
Police Response and Arrest
By the time officers from Devon and Cornwall Police arrived, the suspect had already fled the area. A police helicopter was deployed to aid in the search.
At approximately 8:50pm, a man was arrested in connection with the incident. He was detained on suspicion of making threats to kill and possessing an offensive weapon. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
“He remains in police custody at this time and enquiries remain ongoing,” a police spokesperson confirmed. “Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.”
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident has left the local community rattled, though police have reassured residents that the situation was handled swiftly and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Metro has contacted J.D. Wetherspoon for a statement, but no comment has yet been issued.
Recent Incidents at Wetherspoon Pubs
This latest incident follows a separate violent episode in January 2025 at another Wetherspoon location in Kings Norton, Birmingham, where three people were injured during a knife fight. Among the injured was the pub’s manager, who sustained a stab wound to her arm and required surgery.
These events have sparked renewed discussions around pub security and the safety of hospitality workers.
Investigation Ongoing
Devon and Cornwall Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the Okehampton axe threat. Witnesses or anyone with information are encouraged to contact police via 101, quoting incident reference 14/04/25.
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