Have-a-go hero stabbed as he tackled Wirral bank robber

Aug 12 2008 By Richard Down

Merseyside police car _320

 A HAVE-A-GO hero was stabbed as he tried to tackle a knife-wielding robber outside a Wirral bank today.

The 53-year-old, from Bebington, tried to intervene after a man armed with a knife followed a security guard into the bank at about 1.15pm in Rock Ferry.

The guard was making a cash delivery to Lloyds TSB on Old Chester Road when the offender launched himself at the guard knocking him to the floor.

The bystander, understood to be a Lloyds TSB customer from Bebington, jumped in only for the robber to attack him. He was stabbed in the stomach; a security guard also suffered a superficial hand wound.

Investigating officer superintendent Mike Cloherty condemned the attack as an “unusual and particularly nasty incident.”

Both victims were taken to Arrowe Park Hospital and where the 57-year-old remains receiving treatment for his injuries. His condition is described as stable.

The security guard has been discharged following treatment.

Superintendent Cloherty said: “This was a particularly nasty incident and unusually a weapon was used against a member of the public.

“The robbery took place during the lunch time period and there would have been plenty of people in the area at the time.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and may be able to help us with our inquiries to come forward as information they have could be vital to our inquiry.”

The offender was seen to run off along Kings Lane through the car park of the Kings Arms public house over a wall on to a pathway into Galtress Park near to the Tesco Metro store.

He is described as white, in his late 20s or early 30s, and was approximately 6ft tall, medium to stocky build.

He was wearing a light coloured shirt, a waterproof jacket which was cream or white on the top half the bottom half was blue, dark trousers, white trainers, a black beanie hat with a square logo on the front and back and large-framed dark glasses.

At this moment in time it is not known whether the robber managed to escape with any cash.

The area around the bank has been cordoned off whilst Crime Scene Investigators carry out forensic examinations and house-to-house enquiries are underway.

High visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure members of the public.

Witnesses should contact Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.