Aussie pubgoers fling stools at armed robber during chaotic hold-up

Footage from the incident shows one patron hurling multiple barstools at the thief behind the bar. (Source: Nine)

A group of quick-thinking pubgoers stopped an armed robbery at a Newcastle bar after confronting a man wielding what appeared to be a gun and a knife.

The incident unfolded at the Boatrowers Hotel in Stockton last year when Matthew Bourke jumped behind the bar and attempted to take cash from the till.

Footage from the incident showed patrons seemingly unbothered by the attempted robbery.

One man seated at the bar could be seen sipping his beverage, while a musician seated in the corner continued to play his guitar.

That was to change, however, when one patron hurled a barstool at Bourke in an attempt to stop him.

One patron could be seen throwing a barstool at the armed robber.

Bourke responded by threatening to shoot the patient with his gun, which was later revealed to be a gel blaster, before stabbing him in the shoulder with a knife and shouting “you f***ing dog”.

The patron appeared unfazed and swung another barstool towards Bourke, who backed away from the bar area holding the cash.

While attempting to leave the venue, Bourke confronted a woman recording the incident on her phone, demanding she "give me that phone!".

The woman resisted, causing Bourke to drop some of his cash, before he dashed out the door as another patron approached wielding a barstool.

Bourke was chased down and restrained until police arrived.

He was sentenced to six years in prison over the failed armed robbery.

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