Terrified punters were locked inside a Norwich pub while a man terrorised them with broken bottles and abusive taunts.

An evening pint at The Garnet, in Gentlemans Walk, was ruined when the man launched his attack and left one person injured after a punch to the face.

Eyewitnesses reported that tensions rose after the man forcibly sat down at a table of strangers, leading to a brawl outside the boozer.

Norwich Evening News: The Garnet was closed early after a man terrorised customers and staff The Garnet was closed early after a man terrorised customers and staff (Image: Tom Porteus)

 

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The man is said to have left after hurling racist slurs at people sitting outside, before returning with broken glass bottles which he threw at customers.

Police were called at 7.33pm on Wednesday, June 7 after reports of the man acting aggressively and smashing two of the pub's windows.

However, with the city centre heaving due to the Arctic Monkeys concert at Carrow Road, there was a significant police presence at the stadium.

While waiting for an hour for help, staff were forced to barricade customers inside - locking doors and windows to protect themselves.

An anonymous witness said: "A guy came in and started assaulting people, we closed early, got everyone in the pub and locked the doors.

"This didn't stop him - and he threw a glass bottle through the window - breaking it and terrifying customers.

Norwich Evening News: The Garnet was locked down after a man terrorised customers and staff The Garnet was locked down after a man terrorised customers and staff (Image: Tom Porteus)

 

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"After we finally managed to get everyone in the pub it took an hour and 10 minutes for police from Wymondham to turn up."

While waiting for the police, the staff managed to let customers escape through a side exit. 

The pub reopened on Thursday morning with one of its windows boarded up but had closed early amid the chaos the night before.

Posting on social media, Garnet staff said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances and the fact all of our police force appears to be at Carrow Road, we've had to close early tonight.

"Apologies for any inconvenience caused and a huge shout out to the amazing team here."

A police spokeswoman said: "Officers conducted a search of the area but the suspect remains outstanding.

"Enquiries are continuing."

  • Additional reporting by Tom Porteus