La Bella Vista in Hastings, East Sussex, is not mincing words as it publicly calls out a group of customers accused of attempting a daring dine-and-dash escapade. Last week, the Italian cuisine hotspot claimed that four women accompanied by eight children enjoyed a lavish feast, only to vanish when the £425.38 ($541) bill arrived.

According to The Mirror, three of the four women successfully eluded the restaurant staff, but one was not so fortunate. The eatery reportedly managed to apprehend a presumed mother and promptly summoned law enforcement to the scene.

In a dramatic turn of events, Sussex police arrived, and the accused woman was allegedly ‘frogmarched to the cash machine’ to cobble together £60—the apparent sum she had in her account at the time. Sussex Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the incident.

The restaurant took to social media to share the shocking tale, warning fellow small business owners about the group’s audacious act. In a Facebook post, they described the incident as the third such occurrence in recent months, urging vigilance among businesses.

Outraged customers and supporters flooded the post with comments expressing disbelief and sympathy. One user suggested taking upfront payments, while others commended the restaurant’s resilience.

In a subsequent update, La Bella Vista expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and acknowledged the media for amplifying their story. They also praised the Sussex Police for their swift response and ongoing investigation.

Despite the whirlwind of events, La Bella Vista looks forward to a fantastic year ahead, promising more delightful experiences and meals for their patrons. Meanwhile, Sussex Police has issued a fresh update, confirming an investigation into the incident and noting that a staff member reported being assaulted during the confrontation.

As the investigation unfolds, the restaurant and its loyal patrons remain steadfast, sending a clear message that dine-and-dash antics will not be tolerated in their community.