Pear Tree Inn Smite attack: manager held hand of injured man

Emanuel Popa took over the Pear Tree Inn and Country Hotel in Smite near Worcester in February.

It had been home to asylum seekers but had not housed them since February and was on the brink of a relaunch after extensive renovation work.

As previously reported, police were called around 1.30pm on Tuesday afternoon after a 25-year-old man was attacked at the Pear Tree Inn in Smite Lane in Hindlip.

A 31-year-old man, initially arrested for grievous bodily harm, has now been arrested for attempted murder and is currently being held under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

IDYLLIC: The lake in the grounds of the Pear Tree Inn at Smite (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The wounded man was taken to hospital with a chest and hand wounds, injuries not believed to be life-threatening. He is currently in a stable condition.

Mr Popa said: "This was an attack not only for this person but for what peace and security represents to every human being that deserves to have the right to live his life.

"I held the hand of the injured man and was with him when he was rushed to hospital. Beyond a personal interest, there is a responsibility to humanity, towards somebody who is in need. 

CORDON: Police and forensics teams outside the Pear Tree Inn in Smite on Tuesday after the stabbing (Image: Newsquest)

"It could be in the street or in the car park. If you are there and you can help - do it. That small, little gesture will change somebody's life. Staff felt terrified. This was not in their job description.

"We do everything in our power to create a safe environment for everybody, for guests and visitors."

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Set in tranquil and secluded grounds, it is hard to imagine this idyllic countryside hotel as the site of a violent attack.

The Pear Tree had been on track for a grand relaunch after hundreds of thousands of pounds had been spent on renovation. This followed 15 years without major investment so the attack came at a 'bad time' from a business perspective.

However, the 24-bed countryside hotel has remained open to guests despite the incident.

Mr Popa, who was born in Romania, explained that he had taken over the hotel in February and that it no longer housed asylum seekers (a temporary contract with the Government).

The Pear Tree is now a standard hotel, which the management team hopes can be at the centre of the community, used for weddings, christenings or a place to come and have coffee and a drink or go for a walk in the 18-acre grounds.

With 25 years of experience in the hospitality trade, including in Tuscany in Italy, Mr Popa said his vision was to create an environment where 'we educate, inspire and celebrate life', including a place to showcase the work of local artists and musicians.

He added: "The Pear Tree has been at the centre of the community for a long time. The hotel is undergoing renovation. It was almost finished when this happened. We were about to launch.

"This place has been a centre for families for many years. They feel welcome and this place has welcomed people from different countries, different nationalities. It has always been a place that has embraced everybody.

"We have guests here at the moment. We have regular business people who love the place. I want this to be a buzzing place where people feel joyful and create beautiful memories, a place that brings people together and celebrates life. Without people, this is just a place, an empty place. People give life to places."

The launch, which is still going ahead, will include a renovated bar and coffee shop and it is hoped this will take place within the next two to three weeks.

Money has been spent on a CCTV camera system, a revamp of the rooms and a new fire safety system and heating system.