THE OWNER of a west Suffolk pub has told how an inconspicuous man had the guts to walk into his open pub and steal thousands of pounds.

The One Bull, in Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, was burgled on August 31 between 11.30am and 12.30pm – just after the busy Bank Holiday weekend.

Police investigating the crime have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the offence.

One Bull owner David Marjoram said it felt “horrible” to have been targeted in this way.

He said: “We had just opened up. There were some staff and customers there and the guy literally just walked in.”

He said the man, who did not stand out at all, then let himself out through a side door.

“We were caught off guard. We were caught in a situation that’s never normally the case,” Mr Marjoram said.

He said it was felt what had happened was a one-off, rather than a trend in the town.

“I think ultimately pubs are probably a fairly easy target. They have got cash around and have valuable goods.”

Police were also notified of a man acting suspiciously in the private area of The Linden Tree pub in Out Northgate in the town on the morning of the same day.

When challenged, he said he was looking for a room and left towards Northgate Street.

The man is described as white, in his late 40s, of medium build, about 5ft 5ins, with fair hair and was wearing black trousers, a white short-sleeved shirt with faint yellow stripes, a black tie and glasses. He spoke with an Irish accent.

Police are not linking the incidents at The One Bull and The Linden Tree with a burglary at The Falcon pub in Risbygate Street in the town on the same day.

Anyone with any information on the burglary at The One Bull should contact Pc John Moore at Bury St Edmunds Police on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.