SIX DINERS FLEE DEVON RESTAURANT WITHOUT PAYING £600 BILL

Police are investigating six diners who left The Oyster Shack in Bigbury, Devon, without paying a bill of nearly £600 on Saturday, 25 July. The group comprised three men and three women who ordered four lobsters and a fruits de mer seafood platter before departing one by one without settling their account. A fellow customer noted the registration plate of the black Range Rover in which the group left, and this information was passed to authorities.

The restaurant attempted to contact the diners using a telephone number provided at the time of booking but received no response. Kieron Vanstone, owner of The Oyster Shack, stated on Tuesday that the group had been given a deadline for response but continued to avoid contact. The restaurant's CCTV system was not operational at the time of the incident. In a statement on social media, the restaurant said the incident represented not only a financial loss but had upset staff who had worked to provide service, and warned other local businesses to remain vigilant.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they are investigating the matter. The force appealed for anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 50260196491. The restaurant has referred the case to police rather than pursuing the matter independently.