Off duty officer wrestles alleged armed robber

 An off duty inspector wrestled an alleged armed robber in the early hours of the morning.

Inspector Dennis Kelly finished duty in Wigton at 2am this morning, July 29 and travelled to the petrol station at Spar Stores on Curzon Street, Maryport when the incident happened.

As he was fuelling his vehicle, a man approached the hatch of the Spar and asked the attendant for a sandwich, cigarettes and scratch cards. When the attendant returned with the goods, he found the man was pointing a gun at him.

Inspector Kelly witnessed the incident and immediately tackled him to the ground and arrested him.

Armed police officers were dispatched to the scene and a 27 year old man from Maryport was arrested on suspicion of attempted armed robbery. He remains in police custody this morning for questioning. An imitation firearm was recovered from the scene by police.

West CumbriaSuperintendent, Andy Towler, said: “This was an incredibly brave and professional act from a dedicated police officer.

“Dennis is a very experienced officer who made a swift, professional judgment to intervene in a bid to protect a vulnerable member of staff and other members of the public.

” I am very proud of Inspector Kelly who acted in the finest traditions of Cumbria Constabulary.” 

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