Lady Pensioner Helps Halt Violent Robbery

Robbers intent on stealing money from a cash delivery van have been thwarted - with a little help from a lady pensioner.

The police in London have revealed today that three men thought to have been involved in a knife-point robbery on a cash in transit custodian have been arrested and charged following what was described as a 'pro-active operation by the Flying Squad and firearms officers from CO19'.

A lady who was uninvolved - a feisty 66-year-old who happened on the incident also played a vital role, by grabbing one of the robbers.

A New Scotland Yard statement today said: "At approximately 9.25am on Monday, 26 September, two men wearing face coverings, were seen to run from the rear of the clubhouse of Perivale Park Golf Club and entered the premises.

"They threatened the custodian, who had been collecting cash from the clubhouse, with a knife and stole the box containing approximately £3,500.

"As they left the clubhouse they were intercepted by officers from CO19.

"A 20-year-old man, who was carrying the cash box, assaulted a Specialist Firearms Officer (SFO) with it, knocking him unconscious.

"He was detained by other CO19 officers," said the police, adding that a second male, aged 21, was initially grabbed by a brave 66-year-old woman - who had arrived in the car park for a golf lesson - before he was also detained by other SFOs.

A third male, aged 19, was arrested nearby.

The SFO was treated for facial injuries and concussion, sustaining a total of 19 stitches to his face and lip.

He also sustained a broken bone in his hand and two broken fingers in the assault. He has been released from hospital

DI Neil Williams, from the Flying Squad based at Tower Bridge, said: "This was a very violent robbery where a significant amount of money was stolen.

"Due to the swift actions of Flying Squad and firearms officers, these people were arrested and the cash recovered."

Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Dillon said: "Every day, CO19 officers are deployed in dangerous circumstances to protect the public and unarmed colleagues.

"I pay tribute to the professionalism of all the officers involved and to the member of the public who had the courage to assist police."

Later, a 20-year-old man was charged with robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and GBH with intent to resist arrest.

A 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old man were charged with robbery.

They appeared at Tower Bridge Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 27 September and were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey.

(BMcC/CD)