[Ammi]

Masked armed robber dies after being pinned down during betting shop raid
A masked armed robber collapsed and died after being disarmed and pinned down by customers in a bookies.


The man, in his 50s, was believed to be wearing a gas mask and holding a gun when he stormed into the Ladbrokes branch in Plymouth, Devon, shortly before 7pm.

A group of customers immediately tackled the man, disarming him and pinning him to the floor while others raised the alarm.

Officers rushed to the scene and arrested the man, who was already unconscious. They then called for an ambulance and began trying to revive him but the gunman was declared dead a short time later.

The police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), has been informed of the incident.

A police spokesman said: "It 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."

Chief Inspector Ian Drummond-Smith, of Devon and Cornwall police, said: "This is a very serious incident. We cannot speculate on what has actually taken place here today.

"A full investigation has now begun and while the IPCC carry out their investigation it is not appropriate to comment further."

Scenes of Crime officers remained at the scene into the night as a full investigation into the incident was launched.

Forensics experts wearing protective clothing have been working inside the building, which remained taped off into the early hours of Saturday morning. A HM Coroner van was seen leaving the scene shortly before 11pm on Friday night.

The man has been identified but next of kin have not yet been informed, police said.

Ladbrokes declined to comment

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...d-8467979.html
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/armed-robbe...6.html#XlMXRSy



...on one site, someone asked whether the people could be prosecuted for manslaughter....do you think that would be fair/right..?...