A man’s been labelled a ‘community hero’ after he tackled a suspect fleeing the scene of armed robbery on Bank Holiday Monday.
The 38-year-old Good Samaritan was praised by Northumbria Police when he stopped and detained the man on the ground after witnessing his running away from a corner shop at some pace.
He lept into action when ‘something didn’t seem right’ as he passed by the ongoing incident at around 9am in Birtley, near Gateshead.
Moments before that, the man had threatened shop staff with a knife stolen the till. He was arrested and taken into custody.
The suspect, aged 37, was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article. Appearing in court yesterday, he was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court next month.
Chief Inspector Chris Grice, of Northumbria Police, has now praised the member of the public for his bravery.
He said: “We would always discourage the public from risking their own safety but we have to recognise examples of bravery such as this.
“The witness saw a suspected thief attempting to flee the scene of the crime and acted on instinct to detain him until police arrived.
“He demonstrated exceptional bravery and because of his actions a man is due to appear in court charged with some very serious offences.
“This was a terrifying incident for the staff at the off-licence, who were very shaken up, so it is really important that we were able to respond quickly to secure charges.
“The member of the public who intervened is a true community hero and he should feel very proud about his actions that day.”
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