Man killed in pub axe attack

One man has been killed and several seriously injured after an axe and knife attack at a UK pub.

The Kings Ams, Plymouth

Police were called to a “major disturbance” at The Kings Arms in Plymouth, Devon, at 1.30am on New Year’s Day amid reports of a man in possession of an axe and a knife at the pub.

A 27-year-old was found with serious injuries and taken to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The victim has been named locally as Tanis Bhandari, according to reports by Sky News. Two other men were taken to hospital with knife injuries.

An axe has been recovered from the scene by officers and two men aged 20 and 21, both from Plymouth, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A statement posted on The Kings Arms’ Facebook page read: “On New Year’s Eve a terrible attack was made on a lovely group of people on the way home from a great night in our pub. It was an unprovoked violent attack with tragic consequences. That I feel devastated is an absolute understatement. I wish all the families of those involved my deepest deepest sympathy, not that this will help them in any way now but I wish I could turn back the clock so that these events would not occur.”

Detective Superintendent Jim Colwell, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who was in the Tamerton Foilot area between 1-2am this morning to contact the police.

“An axe has been found but the knife has yet to be located. We are asking local residents to keep an eye out for anything discarded in their bins or gardens that seems suspicious and to call police if anything is found, without touching it.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information should call police on 101 quoting 169 01/01/15, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.