A man has been arrested in connection with a pub robbery in Stevenage last night (Sunday).

A 22-year-old Stevenage man is in police custody in connection with the offence at The Red Lion in the High Street.

The robbery took place shortly after closing time when two men got in through a back door before making their way to an upstairs office. Here they attacked a male staff member in his 40s, leaving him with a cut lip and swollen jaw, before making off with cash through the rear door. Both men were wearing balaclavas during the raid.

The first robber is described as wearing blue jeans with a rip or logo on a back pocket, a grey hoodie and dark trainers.

The second is described as of larger build wearing jeans and a dark top, dark trainers and a hat and carrying a rucksack.

Stevenage Detective Inspector Gary Atkinson said: “We are currently following several lines of enquiry but if anyone has any information or saw anything suspicious on that night, please get in touch by calling the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The pub is closed today and cordoned off by police.