Shocking footage has emerged showing a customer at a family-run curry house in Hampshire allegedly punching a staff member after being confronted over an unpaid bill. The incident, which police are now aware of, highlights the risks faced by hospitality workers.
Confrontation in the Alleyway
Employees at the Red Rose Lounge in Waterlooville, Hampshire became suspicious that a grey-haired, spectacle-wearing diner had left without settling his bill. Staff followed the man as he walked down a nearby alleyway to challenge him.
In video posted to the restaurant's Facebook page, a staff member films the hoodie-clad customer and tells him, "You had a meal and just walked off. That's not nice. We served you so nicely." The man responds by waving his hands and shouting back "not nice" along with several expletives as he continues to walk away.
The Alleged Assault Unfolds
The situation quickly escalated. The restaurant worker accuses the man of having already punched a colleague, stating that the injured staff member was bleeding, and demands the customer's address.
"Oh yeah, try that one," the diner retorts. He then appears to lash out as the employee filming says, "Don't punch me." The customer adopts a boxer's stance, raises his fists, and angrily declares, "you can't f***ing do anything to me," before swinging his arm again. Another man and a woman can be heard urging him to stop.
Restaurant's Plea After the Incident
The clip was posted on the restaurant's Facebook page on Monday night, though the exact timing of the altercation is not confirmed. A message published alongside the video explained the situation.
"It's a shame the person had a meal with us and he ran away without pay," the statement read. "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. Anyway we hope he got home safe."
The Daily Mail has contacted Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for comment regarding the alleged assault and the dine and dash incident.
