Staff at a popular Hampshire curry restaurant have been left shaken after a customer fled without paying his bill before turning violent, allegedly punching an employee and a member of the public.
Violent Confrontation on the Street
The incident occurred at the Red Rose Lounge in Waterlooville, Hampshire, on Monday, December 29. After finishing his meal, the diner left the establishment without settling his bill. Staff followed him onto the street, pleading with him to return and pay.
Footage captured on a mobile phone shows the situation quickly escalating. The man, wearing a distinctive blue hooded jumper, appears to throw punches during the confrontation. It is alleged he struck a member of the restaurant's team and also attempted to hit a 'have-a-go hero' passer-by, a woman, who tried to stop him from leaving.
Restaurant Releases Footage in Appeal
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Red Rose Lounge said: "It's a shame the person had a meal with us and he ran away without pay. When our colleagues tried to stop him he punched one of our staff and the local pedestrian tried to stop him and he tried to punch the lady as well."
The restaurant has now shared the clip on social media in a bid to identify the individual involved. The footage shows the man, at one point, trying to knock the phone from the staff member's hand. After the aggressive encounter, the staff let the man walk away, but have since contacted Hampshire Police.
Community Backs Restaurant as Dine-and-Dash Concerns Grow
Regular customers have rallied behind the business, condemning the man's actions in comments online. One supporter wrote: "Out of order, pay for your food," while another noted the strain such incidents place on businesses, stating: "Such a shame, businesses are finding it really tough as it is."
This violent dine and dash case follows a recent police investigation in Cornwall, where a group of four left a restaurant at Tregenna Castle with a £319 bill unpaid. Establishments are increasingly using social media to share images and CCTV of suspected offenders to combat this costly crime.
The Red Rose Lounge, which was open on Christmas Day this year, hopes the released images will help trace the man involved in Monday's disturbing incident.
