A LANDLORD had his face slashed during a violent armed burglary at his pub this morning.

James Hore

A LANDLORD had his face slashed during a violent armed burglary at his pub this morning.

The attack happened just after midnight when two hooded men “tricked” their way into the Foundry Arms in Artillery Street, Colchester.

The pair then threatened the landlord with violence, forcing the wife to handover a four-figure sum of cash.

As the men walked out, one of them slashed the 37-year-old landlord's face with an unknown weapon.

Det Sarg Mark Merry said he believed the burglars were local.

He said: “This was a pretty scary affair for this couple who were just tidying up after a night's business.

“They have given us a good description of their attackers and I would urge people to take a good look at them and see if they recognise them.

“We do think they live locally.”

The first man was white, mid 20s, stocky and was wearing an army green hoodie with a scarf across his face.

The second attacker was mixed race, in his 30s, skinny build and was wearing a black hoodie and was also using a scarf to cover his face.

Police, including a dog unit and the air support searched the surrounding area following the incident, but could not trace the men.

The landlord was treated by paramedics at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.

Anyone with information about the attack should contact Det Sarg Merry on 0300 333 4444.