A MAN who tackled and held a suspected armed robber until police arrived has been hailed a 'community hero'.
The 38-year-old was walking on New South Terrace, in Birtley, at about 9am on Bank Holiday Monday when he saw a man running away from an off-licence.
Recognising something was wrong, he pulled the man to the ground and detained him until police arrived.
The suspect was arrested after it emerged the off-licence had been targeted moments earlier by an armed robber who threatened staff with a knife and stole the till.
He was taken into custody on suspicion of the offence and officers seized a knife and found the till nearby.
Chief Inspector Chris Grice, of Northumbria Police, has now praised the member of the public for his bravery.
He said: “We would always discourage the public from risking their own safety but we have to recognise examples of bravery such as this.
“The witness saw a suspected thief attempting to flee the scene of the crime and acted on instinct to detain him until police arrived.
“He demonstrated exceptional bravery and because of his actions a man is due to appear in court charged with some very serious offences.
“This was a terrifying incident for the staff at the off-licence, who were very shaken up, so it is really important that we were able to respond quickly to secure charges.
“The member of the public who intervened is a true community hero and he should feel very proud about his actions that day.”
The 37-year-old suspect was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article and has since been remanded to appear at Newcastle Crown Court next month.
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