Manhunt for thugs wielding baseball bats who attacked a man outside a London pub in terrifying scenes

Police are investigating the incident outside the Marquis of Cornwallis pub

Police have launched a manhunt after thugs carrying baseball bats tried to storm a London pub and attacked a man outside.

Video footage shows the gang trying to enter The Marquis Cornwallis pub near Russell Square station at around 9.45pm on Friday, February 9.

Two of the thugs can be seen wielding baseball bats, as they retreat from the premises after being chased out by angry customers.

Police confirmed they are investigating the incident and said a man who was hit over the head with a baseball bat has received treatment in hospital for his injuries.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: ‘At about 21:45hrs on Friday, 9 February, an incident occurred outside the Marquis of Cornwallis Public House on Marchmont Street, WC1.

The gang are seen trying to enter The Marquis Cornwallis pub near Russell Square station on Friday, February 9

In the footage, one individual can be heard shouting: ‘He’s got a weapon!’, before the group is recorded running down the road away from the pub

‘A man was assaulted outside the pub and was hit over the head with what is believed to be a baseball bat.

‘The victim received treatment in hospital and his injuries have been declared as non-life threatening.

‘No suspects have been arrested at this stage.

‘We are aware of footage circulating on social media that shows part of this incident and we are investigating. We acknowledge the concern this is going to cause among the community.

‘Police are investigating the assault and are actively following a number of lines of enquiry.’

During the footage, one individual can be heard shouting: ‘He’s got a weapon!’, before the group is recorded running down the road away from the pub.

The footage shocked social media users, as concerns continue to grow over people’s safety in the capital.

Two of the thugs can be seen wielding baseball bats, as they retreat from the premises after being chased out by angry customers

One person commented : ‘Not safe anywhere’, while another said: ‘Getting worse and worse’.

The number of thefts from a person in the area around Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square increased to 2,806 last year, compared to 796 in 2021.

Theft, which includes pick-pocketing and shoplifting, makes up 60 per cent of crime in the West End.

The figures were compiled by the Heart of London Business Alliance, which represents 600 local retailers, restaurants and property owners.

Nickie Aiken, the MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, called for more police on the streets – as she warned the situation had worsened since the pandemic.