A masked armed robber collapsed and died after being disarmed and pinned down by customers in a bookmakers, Devon & Cornwall police say.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission say the death of a gunman at a bookmakers in Plymouth, should be subject to a 'local investigation'. They completed their assessment and informed Devon and Cornwall Police of their decision today.
A betting shop in Plymouth where a masked gunman died on Friday has re-opened.
Alan Levers was wearing a gas mask when he stormed into the branch of Ladbrokes. It's thought he was holding an imitation pistol.
He was restrained by customers before police arrived but died a short time later.
Police have confirmed that the gunman who died during at attempted robbery at Ladbrokes in Plymouth was carrying an imitation firearm. Alan Levers, 50, died after being restrained by customers at the bookies in Crownhill Road on Friday night.
Chief Supt Andy Bickley said no-one had been arrested in connection with the incident. A post-mortem examination has been carried out but the details of what caused Mr Levers' death have not yet been revealed.
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.
Police have named a gunman who died while trying to rob a betting shop in Plymouth.
50-year-old Alan Levers was wearing a gas mask when he stormed into the branch of Ladbrokes.
He was restrained by customers but died a short time later.
Tim Walsh reports:
The man who died during an attempted robbery at a Ladbrokes in Plymouth has been name by police as 50 year-old Alan Levers. He lived not far from the bookies in Crownhill Road. Mr Levers died after being restrained by customers . He had entered brandishing a gun and wearing a gas mask.
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.
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.