Armed bandits rob Lusignan bar

Three bandits attacked a bar at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara early yesterday morning robbing patrons and the owner of cash, jewellery and phones before escaping.

At about 2.10am yesterday Harrinarine, the owner of the Underground Bar at Lusignan Railway Embankment, along with two males and a female patron were attacked and robbed by three men, two of whom were armed with guns, the police said in a press statement.

The police said that investigations revealed that the victims were at the night-spot when the perpetrators entered and held them at gunpoint. They then took away a total of $308 000 and two cell phones and escaped in a waiting car. Harrinarine told this newspaper that it was the first time in the three years he had been there, that he was robbed.

One employee said she was sitting with two patrons close to the doorway when she observed two men coming from the back with their faces covered. She said that the men told them to “freeze.” Harrinarine was inside at the time and the bandits accosted him asking where the boss was. Holding him at gunpoint, the bandit told him not to look at him and threatened to kill him and lashed him at the side of his head.

The bandits, who were joined by a third unmasked man, emptied the drawer which contained the day’s takings as well as some money to buy stock. One customer put up resistance but one of the bandits broke a bottle and advanced on him.

The men escaped after grabbing the money. Harrinarine said he was certain that the bandits were at his bar earlier in the night and expressed his frustration over the attack. Up to yesterday afternoon no one was arrested. Investigations are continuing.