A PUB manager was assaulted by a violent gang in an early morning raid.

Three offenders broke into the Ten Lock Flight beside The Brindley on Crosville Way at around 2am on Tuesday, August 29.

Police released details today and said the intruders they used stepladders to climb into the premises through a first floor window.

It is believed that the ladders may have been stolen from an address on Ellesmere Street, Runcorn, shortly before the robbery.

Once inside the pub the men assaulted the manager before stealing a quantity of cash from the office.

They then fled the scene using a red 2012 registration Ford Mondeo, belonging to the manager.

The vehicle left the scene heading towards Widnes and was later found burnt out on Netherley Road in north Widnes.

The victim sustained a number of bruises as a result of the incident. He was taken to hospital and has since been discharged.

Detective Constable Adam Norton, of Reactive CID in Runcorn, said “This was an extremely distressing incident committed by three men, who displayed significant aggression and violence towards the victim.

“Their behaviour shows a callous disregard for the injury and trauma they have caused to the victim.

“It is crucial that these men are apprehended before they have the opportunity to commit further offences.

“Information provided by local people can often provide a crucial breakthrough in serious crime investigations.

“We are asking anyone with information, about any of these offences, to come forward and speak to us in confidence.”

Anyone with any information should call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 85 of the 29/8/2017 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.