Over the weekend in Redcar, a disturbing and violent scene unfolded outside a bar, leaving one man severely injured.
The shocking event occurred after a heated argument inside the local pub, Peggy June’s, quickly escalated.
What started as a brawl turned into a violent attack when a Molotov cocktail was thrown directly at a man’s head, setting him on fire.
The Attack Unfolds
Witnesses described the horrifying moment when a man threw a petrol bomb from close range.
Security footage captured the terrifying scene as the Molotov cocktail exploded into a fireball of orange and white flames.
The victim fell to the ground and began frantically rolling to put out the fire, while others reacted quickly.
One man hurried to help by removing his shirt, and a blonde woman fled the scene in panic.
Immediate Response
The police have since arrested three individuals—a man and a woman in connection with the violence, as well as another man on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Cleveland Police have confirmed that the incident took place at around 8:00 pm on Saturday, February 15, at Peggy June’s on Queen Street.
The altercation resulted in three people being hospitalized with injuries, which, while serious, were not considered life-threatening.
Fortunately, no one was killed, despite the alarming nature of the attack.
Witness Accounts
Those who saw the attack firsthand described it as “completely terrifying.”
One witness explained that the conflict began earlier inside the pub, where two groups of men had a disagreement that led to damage within the bar.
The violence spilled out onto the street, culminating in the firebombing.
Some patrons inside the bar even reported being splashed with flammable liquid, although it thankfully didn’t ignite.
The Heartbreaking Impact on the Community
The owner of Peggy June’s, Paul Jarvis, expressed his heartbreak over the incident.
He shared that the bar was named after his daughter, who tragically passed away in 2017.
Paul offered his sincerest apologies to everyone affected by the violence, emphasizing that the attack was unprovoked and could not have been avoided.
He stated that the pub’s mission is to provide a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all its guests, and the events surrounding the incident were a devastating shock to the community.
Redcar’s local councillor, Alex Brown, also reacted to the attack, calling it a “shocking” and unprecedented event for the town.
He assured that Cleveland Police had made arrests and that the council would offer support to Peggy June’s, even though it’s a private business.
He highlighted the importance of helping the local community in times of crisis.
Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack.
Cleveland Police are urging anyone who was present at the pub during the incident but has not yet spoken to authorities to come forward.
The police have confirmed that a 33-year-old man, along with a 36-year-old woman, have been arrested, and efforts are underway to locate additional suspects involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, the North East Ambulance Service responded swiftly to the scene, sending multiple teams, including a clinical leader and a doctor from North East Immediate Care, to assist the injured.
One of the victims was taken to James Cook Hospital for treatment.
The violence in Redcar has left the town shaken, but the community is rallying together to support those affected.