- Police are investigating an incident outside the Marquis of Cornwallis pub.
Police have launched a manhunt after thugs armed with baseball bats broke into a London pub and attempted to attack a man outside.
Video footage shows the gang attempting to enter the Marquis Cornwallis pub near Russell Square station at around 9.45pm on Friday, February 9.
Two of the thugs can be seen brandishing baseball bats as they retreat from the premises after being chased out by angry customers.
Police confirmed they were investigating the incident. A man who was hit in the head with a baseball bat was treated for his injuries at a hospital, officials said.
A Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson said: The incident occurred at around 21:45 on Friday, February 9, outside the Marquess of Cornwallis’ official residence on Marchmont Street, WC1.
“A man was assaulted outside a pub and hit in the head with what appeared to be a baseball bat.
“The victim was treated at the hospital and his injuries were declared non-life-threatening.
“At this stage, no suspects have been arrested.
“We are aware that footage showing portions of this incident has been circulating on social media and we are conducting an investigation. We recognize that this causes concern to the community. I am.
“Police are investigating the assault and have a number of active investigations underway.”
In the footage, one person can be heard shouting: “He’s got a weapon!” before the group is recorded running down the road from the pub.
The footage shocked social media users as concerns for people’s safety grew in the capital.
One person commented: “Nowhere is safe,” while another said: “It’s getting worse.”
The number of private thefts in the Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square area rose to 2,806 last year, compared to 796 in 2021.
Sixty percent of West End crime is theft, including pickpocketing and shoplifting.
The figures were compiled by the Heart of London Business Alliance, which represents 600 local retailers, restaurants and property owners.
Nicky Aiken, MP for London and Westminster, warned that the situation had worsened since the pandemic and called for more police on the streets.