A COUPLE who ran a Suffolk pub have been bailed by police after being arrested in connection with an alleged theft at the popular venue.As revealed in The Evening Star last week, an investigation was launched by police after equipment and furniture were reportedly stolen from The Shannon Inn, in Bucklesham, on Sunday January 6 or Monday January 7.

A COUPLE who ran a Suffolk pub have been bailed by police after being arrested in connection with an alleged theft at the popular venue.

As revealed in The Evening Star last week, an investigation was launched by police after equipment and furniture were reportedly stolen from The Shannon Inn, in Bucklesham, on Sunday January 6 or Monday January 7.

Paul Freeman, who previously ran the Shannon Inn, last week revealed that he and his ex-wife, Charlotte Freeman-Smith are responsible for removing the equipment, believed to be worth several thousand pounds.

Mr Freeman now runs another pub, The Woolpack, in Fornham St Martin.

He claims the equipment from the Shannon Inn is owned and paid for by him, not the property of the pub owners Punch Taverns who reported the alleged theft to police.

He also claims the company has failed to cough up an £11,000 deposit on the pub.

Police today confirmed a 41-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, both from Fornham St Martin, had been arrested on suspicion of theft in connection with the allegation.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said: “We have made two arrests and enquiries are continuing.

“A 41-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman have been arrested and interviewed.”

The Shannon Inn has been closed for business since last week.

Mr Freeman was today unavailable for comment.

Mr Freeman and Charlotte Freeman-Smith have been bailed to return to Ipswich police station on Sunday February 3.