POLICE are appealing for information after a large group of men threatened members of staff at a Suffolk restaurant.A group of six or seven men gained entry to the Harvester, formerly known as the Brewers Fayre, at Leisure Way, Lowestoft, in the early hours of yesterdaymorning.

Anthony Bond

POLICE are appealing for information after a large group of men threatened members of staff at a Suffolk restaurant.

A group of six or seven men gained entry to the Harvester, formerly known as the Brewers Fayre, at Leisure Way, Lowestoft, in the early hours of yesterdaymorning.

At about 12.30am an 18-year-old female member of staff heard noises coming from a room inside the premises and went to investigate. She discovered the men and one of them threatened her and stole her mobile phone.

Some of the group then ran out of the room and into another member of staff, a 25-year-old woman. One of the men threatened her but she pushed him away.

Some of the men then left the restaurant and ran off into a nearby wooded area. The men still in the premises then made an attempt to grab the 18-year-old woman but she struggled with them and they gave up and left the premises in the same direction.

Neither of the women was hurt.

The offenders are thought to be one white man and several black men. The white man is described as being in his 20s, around 5ft 8ins - 5ft 10ins tall, of stocky build and wearing a black beanie-style hat, dark hooded top and dark trousers with white material partially over his face. The black men were similarly dressed with black or green material partially over their faces.

Police cordoned off the area while investigations took place.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area on Tuesday night or early on Wednesday morning and who may have seen the offenders or have information about who they are.

If you can help call Lowestoft CID on 01986 835300.