A masked armed robber who collapsed and died after being disarmed and pinned down by customers in a bookies was named by Plymouth police today as Alan Levers.
Police have said a masked armed robber who collapsed and died at a betting shop, was already unconscious.
David Walker a witness at the scene said the gunman, who was named as Alan Levers, was pinned down by customers, while others raised the alarm. ITV's Nick Thatcher reports:
Plymouth police has said a gun used by a masked armed robber, who collapsed and died in a betting shop yesterday, appeared to be an imitation pistol. Police commander Chief Superintendent Andy Bickley issued a statement:
Last night's events resulted in the tragic death of a Plymouth man. The deceased is a 50-year-old man from the Honicknowle area of the city. A forensic post-mortem has been carried out today but formal identification has not yet been completed.
I can also clarify that there were four people in the shop at the time of the incident and they have all supported our inquiries. I can confirm that no one has been arrested in connection with this death, nor has anyone been questioned under caution as a suspect at this time.
I can share with you that the firearm has been initially examined by a police firearms officer and it appears to be an imitation pistol, though this still needs to be verified.
Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact the police on 101 or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
A masked armed robber who collapsed and died after being disarmed and pinned down by customers in a bookies in Plymouth was named by Devon and Cornwall Police today as 50-year-old Alan Levers.
A gunman who died after being restrained by customers in a bookmakers in Plymouth has been identified.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police said
– Devon and Cornwall PoliceIt quickly became clear the man was unresponsive and an ambulance was immediately requested by police who carried out CPR until they arrived.
A few minutes later three paramedics arrived at the scene and continued to carry out further CPR. Around 20 minutes later the man was declared dead at the scene by the paramedics.
This incident has been voluntarily referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
The man has been identified but next of kin have not yet been informed, police said.
Ladbrokes declined to comment when contacted this evening.
A masked armed robber collapsed and died after being disarmed and pinned down by customers in a bookmakers in Plymouth, police said tonight.
The man, in his 50s, was believed to be wearing a gas mask and holding a gun when he stormed into a branch of Ladbrokes shortly before 7pm.
Customers disarmed the man, Devon and Cornwall Police said, and held him on the floor while others raised the alarm.
Police arrested the man, who was already unconscious, upon arrival but he was declared dead a short time later.
The police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), has been informed of the incident.