Armed police arrest publican after 999 call
19 September 2002 by CG
A Scottish publican was arrested at gunpoint and his pub surrounded by police following allegations that he had threatened to shoot a neighbour.
Gordon Beurskens, who runs the Breich Inn in West Calder, West Lothian, was arrested but later released without charge.
About 20 police were called to the scene and the area sealed off following the 999 call.
Beurskens said he was having tea with his partner when he saw an armed police officer at the window. He said that the incident was very distressing and that customers had since avoided the pub.
"Our business has died a death," he added.
A police spokesman said: "As with any 999 call involving firearms we have to take it seriously."
He added that Beurskens was helping with ongoing enquiries.
