Bristol McDonald’s security officer restrains man threatening staff with knife
Bristol England Feb 10 2018
Security at a McDonald’s restaurant near Cabot Circus in Bristol have been praised for their bravery after restraining a man threatening staff.
The man allegedly threatened staff at the fast food diner in Horsefair on Wednesday, February 7, evening following an argument with another customer.
After being asked to leave the man, aged in his 20s, became aggressive.
According to eyewitness Paul Branston, who was there with his two young children, the man pulled out a knife from his coat and attempted to use it on the security guard as he was ushered towards the exit.
“I was there with my two kids and it was quite busy,” he said. “There was an argument between two men at another table.
“One of the men left, but the other man stayed. Security asked him to leave and he pulled out a kitchen knife.
“He tried to stab the guard. My children were terrified – he had been in the restaurant for an hour with a knife.
“Someone could have been killed, if it wasn’t for the guard. He went above and beyond to protect the other customers.”
Paul added the security guard managed to restrain the offender until police arrived around 5.45pm.
“When McDonald’s first hired the security guards, I thought it was over the top and intimidating,” the father-of-two said.
“But, after what happened on Wednesday, those guards have my utmost respect. He put himself at risk for the safety of everyone else.”
Avon and Somerset police confirmed they attended the McDonald’s restaurant in the Horsefair after receiving reports of a man threatening staff.
A force spokesperson said: “We were called to the Horsefair in Broadmead at 5.45pm on February 7 to reports of a man threatening staff in a food shop.
“A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of public order offences. He remains in custody. Enquiries are ongoing.”
McDonald’s was approached for comment.
