Man charged after Molotov cocktail thrown inside busy pub

A man has been charged after a Molotov cocktail was thrown into a busy pub causing children and a musician to flee in terror.

Two men were taken to hospital with burn injuries after The Toby Jug in Armagh, Northern Ireland at 9pm on Monday.

The alleged suspect can be heard shouting ‘trick or treat’ before the sound of broken glass is heard.

Seconds later, a mother holding a child and a man carrying a guitar charge out of the burning bar.

Police say that other customers were also threatened with a knife as they fled.

On Tuesday evening, police said a 38-year-old man has been charged with a number of offences, including attempted murder.

‘The man, aged 38, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, arson with intent to endanger life, possession of a blade or point, and three counts of criminal damage,’ they said.

‘He is expected to appear before Newry Magistrates Court on Wednesday 20th August.’

‘The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a blade or point in a public place and remains in custody this afternoon.

‘He is also being questioned on suspicion of a number of counts of criminal damage in connection with reports of windows being smashed at homes on Keady Road and Cregagh Gardens earlier in the evening.’

Sárán Ó Machail, who was playing music with his band The Two Song Club, said on Facebook: ‘We didn’t expect this while playing music on a quiet Monday night in Armagh.

‘We wish those with injuries a speedy recovery, and our thoughts are with the bar staff and owners of The Toby Jug during this difficult time. Thanks to fire, police and ambulance for arriving at the scene quickly.’

He added: ‘We hope to see the bar back on its feet soon. We thank them for supporting The Two Song Club and music in Armagh.

‘Keep rockin’ and we’ll see you all someplace soon.’

Police also issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

‘Detectives are continuing to investigate and are keen to hear from witnesses and those with information or any footage captured in the area between 7pm and 9pm,’ they said.

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Dáire Hughes told the BBC that this was a ‘brazen and disgraceful attack in relative broad daylight’.

‘I’m sure the people in the pub and surrounding areas were terrified.’

‘The fact that the fire service and PSNI acted so promptly should give some degree of comfort to the community,” he added.

In a statement posted to social media, The Toby Jug said they were ‘shocked and saddened’ by the events.

‘Two people were injured and taken to hospital, and our thoughts are first and foremost with them and their families.

‘We are also mindful of the wider impact, with residents of Creagh Gardens and Corrigan’s Court also affected by these senseless acts.

‘No one in our community should ever feel unsafe in their home or local area.’

Breege Shaw, who lives on the street, saw the aftermath of the fire.

She told the BBC that police cordoned off the street by St Malachy’s church.

‘I didn’t know what was happening’, he said.

‘At the time the police just said it was a fire. But it is just very sad because this is a lovely street to live in.’