A group of Travellers have been accused of a mass 'dine and dash' at a restaurant in the West Country. The incident occurred at Tamarind Bay restaurant in Exeter's Fore Street.

A party of about 20 people, including adults and children, entered the restaurant before clocking up a bill of £300 and leaving. The large group arrived in various vehicles, such as vans and a Land Rover, around 7pm.

Although one family, with a baby, settled their £52 tab, the remainder of the group departed leaving the independent eatery short by £270. The financial hit comes during what has been cited as the quietest month for the business this year, reports Devon Live.

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Saiful Rahman, the manager of Tamarind Bay, has taken action by reporting the event to the police and circulating details of some of the vehicles involved, including their registration numbers. He has also alerted DevonLive and used social media platforms to warn other local businesses about the potential threat.

Saiful expressed his dismay at the situation, stating: "We have never experienced a mass exodus. It was actually shocking.

"I have experience with Travellers and I could tell they were from their vehicles, their accents, the way they spoke and how they acted. We served them because we don't discriminate. We didn't ask for upfront payment as from experience this would have caused a fuss with them saying we are discriminating against them when other groups of people aren't asked to."

The group occupied five tables without reservations. Following the meal service, a family of four excused themselves to purchase a birthday cake since the establishment did not offer one.

While three members settled their bill in cash, the remainder of the party abruptly departed. Saiful, who pursued them outside, recounted that despite his pleas, they drove away.

The drinks consumed by a large group who left without paying their bill at Tamarind Bay

Saiful expressed his disbelief at the situation: "I couldn't believe the sheer audacity. It seemed very well constructed and we then had to clean up the mess they had left behind. We worked hard to serve them, they left, drove off, lied, and they had children who most likely will copy their behaviour."

He contacted the police immediately: "I called the police on 999 who asked whether the people had left the building. I said yes and was advised to call 101 as it was classed as a non-emergency.

"After an hour and 10 minutes, we managed to get through and explain the situation. The police took some information and advised they would be in touch.

"What happened is a big deal because bars, restaurants and cafes are struggling so I do want some justice. All I want is for everyone to be alert, safe and to not feel powerless. I'm not tarring all Travellers with the same brush as there are hard-working Travellers who are honest.

"The people who committed this crime are aware of the post as one of them rang last night and tried to get me to take it down but I refused. He said his vehicle had been pictured in the post and said he was the one that paid and he wasn't part of the group, but they all came together.

"We have had multiple messages from people saying the vehicles we shared photographs of on our Facebook page have been seen at Cowick Barton Playing Fields where travellers have set up. The messages of support we have received have gone a long way to help us feel much better."

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police are aware of an incident where is it alleged that a group of people left Tamarind Bay restaurant, Exeter, without paying their bill on the evening of Tuesday, April 23."

"Enquiries continue into this matter. Anyone with any information that could assist the police is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 50240097061."