Knife-wielding robbers  stormed one of Kelsall’s most  popular pubs, stealing cash and  mobile phones before assaulting   staff and leaving some tied up in  a dramatic raid.

Workers at The Lord Binning Pub &  Kitchen on Chester Road were left petrified by the incident which happened as  they were locking up just after midnight  in the early hours of Monday morning, December 16.

Police say the four offenders, carrying  bladed weapons, forced their way into  the pub and assaulted one member of  staff before demanding cash.

Three others were then forced into the  office and tied up as the crooks stole cash  and mobile phones before making off in  a silver car which they stole from the  scene.

One man and two women received  minor injuries during the terrifying incident.

But Dave Mooney, who co-owns  the pub with Paul Newman said  they were not focusing on the  raid, and said he wouldn’t allow  it to dampen the pub’s Christmas  festivities.

“It was all over and done with  in four minutes – that was it.  Once the police and forensics had  been in, we were business as  usual the next morning,” he  said.

“This kind of thing happens in  rural pubs but it’s all done and  dusted with now and we’re all  raring to go for Christmas.

“We’ve done two years here  now and we’re growing year  after year, with lots more exciting  things coming up.

“We’re certainly not going to let  four no-hopers get in the way of  that,” he added.

The Lord Binning has built up  a hugely popular reputation  since Mr Mooney and Mr Newman took over the former Morris  Dancer pub in 2011, and counts  celebrity chef Marco Pierre- White among its biggest fans.

The owners completely revamped the premises, giving it a  classically modern country pub  feel,  and specialising in offering  locally sourced fresh food with  premium cask ales and fine  wines.

Detective Constable Andy  Collinson reassured the community that Cheshire police have  stepped up patrols following  Monday’s incident.

“This type of incident is rare in  this area and as a result, we have  stepped up our patrols to provide  reassurance,” he said.

“We are currently following a  number of lines of enquiry and  would urge anyone with information to contact police on 101,  quoting incident number 820 of  December 16 2013.”

Alternatively information can  be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800  555 111.