Brave have-a-go hero left with serious facial injuries after trying to stop armed robbery
A brave member of the public suffered serious facial injuries after confronting armed robbers during an attempted cash machine theft at a Co-operative store in Richmond.
The incident occurred when several people who were enjoying an evening out challenged a gang attempting to steal an ATM just after midnight on Saturday.
The gang, armed with crowbars, was attempting to remove the ATM from the store when they were confronted by members of the public.
Despite their weapons, the would-be thieves were unable to complete their robbery and fled the scene empty-handed.
One civilian sustained serious injuries to his face during the confrontation with the armed criminals.
North Yorkshire Police launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of two suspects in connection with the incident.
One of the suspects was successfully apprehended when Durham Constabulary officers intercepted his vehicle in the vicinity of Murton.
Inspector Mark Gee of Richmond Neighbourhood Policing Team praised the public’s courageous intervention.
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“My thanks go to the members of the public who stepped in and challenged the group,” he said.
“They have no doubt prevented them from getting away with the machine and the cash inside.”
Both suspects, who are in their 40s and from the County Durham area, have been released on bail pending further investigation.
The investigation comes after a number of patrols intervened in Bonfire Night incidents.
North Yorkshire Police wrote: “As various fireworks displays were lighting up the skies across North Yorkshire last night, our roads policing officers were joined by the operational support unit and police dog units for another team night shift.
“The team were tasked with targeting burglary as well as serious and organised crime.
“After briefing, our officers strategically headed to various points across the county to intercept travelling criminality.
“What followed was a night of vehicle stops, responding to 999 calls and various suspicious incidents which led to a pursuit, arrests and the recovery of property.
“8pm – Officers were travelling on the A1 northbound when they spotted a vehicle which was travelling in excess of 90 mph near Leeming.
“The driver was reported and dealt with via a Traffic Offence Report.”