Indian restaurant shares footage of diners who 'fled without paying hefty £63 bill' in effort to catch them

An Indian restaurant has appealed to members of the public to help catch two men who it claimed fled without paying their bill.

The restaurant said one of the pair said he was going outside "for a smoke" then the second man followed, saying he was going outside to speak to his friend.

But instead of returning, the men disappeared - leaving their "hefty" £63 bill unpaid.

Arvelli restaurant in Darlington has now shared footage of the two men in the hope that members of the public will help track them down.

Posting the footage on its Facebook page, the restaurant said the incident at around 11.10pm on Wednesday night (9 August) meant a "tiring day" had ended "on a bad note".

The footage on the post shows one man leaving the restaurant carrying a pint of beer.

Shortly after his friend also gets up, putting a top on as he stops to talk to staff with a cigarette in his mouth before exiting the premises.

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The footage then cuts to cameras outside where both men can be seen, before apparently fleeing, according to the restaurant.

The post from Arvelli, which was shared the following day on Thursday (10 August) says: "This is not a usual post or message we put up. But since opening Arvelli we have hardly had any bad incidences and we are thankful for all of our supportive and returning customers.

"Unfortunately last night, we had two gentlemen walkout without paying their hefty bill £63.00 around 11:10pm."

It added: "Initially one of them left for a 'smoke', then the other man dressed in a tracksuit followed saying they will be back after speaking to their friend.

"We as staff try our best to execute amazing service from start to finish. After a tiring day, it was sad the night was ended on a bad note ."

"Every incidences like this affect the business as well as the hard working staff. If anyone recognises the two men from the videos or posts, please contact us. It would be much appreciated if you could share the post!"

The post has sparked support for the restaurant, with one person branding the situation "disgraceful".