From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] PENSIONER PRAISED FOR TACKLING ARMED HOSTAGE TAKER 221331 NOV 10 By Jane Merrick, PA News A 77-year-old pensioner was today praised for his bravery after he tackled an armed robber who had taken a woman hostage in a post office. The retired seaman was punched and kicked during the struggle at the store in Kensington, Liverpool, but the raider was forced to flee empty-handed. The pensioner had been on his way to buy a lottery ticket when he heard screams from the post office in Boaler Street on Saturday morning. He ran inside to find the raider holding a handgun to the head of a customer and demanding cash from staff. As the terrified hostage looked on, the pensioner pounced on the gunman and the two fell to the floor. During the struggle the robber punched and kicked the elderly man before escaping empty handed. He is still at large. "I was going to buy a lottery ticket and I saw this man outside the post office," the 77-year-old, who does not want to be identified, said. "It looked like he was waiting for someone but now I think he was probably just waiting for there to be just one person in the shop before going in. "I heard a woman screaming and I ran in to help. He had hold of the lady so I pulled him to the ground. "He took a swipe at me and I hit back and the next thing I knew he was gone. "He went in for money but got more than he bargained for. He didn't get any cash and got a belt from me." The pensioner, who spent several years on Atlantic convoys during the Second World War, added: "It wasn't anything to do with bravery. "When I heard the lady scream I knew I had to do something and dashed in." The man was treated in hospital for the injuries he suffered in the struggle but has since been discharged. A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police added: "This is a very brave gentleman who probably saved the staff from being robbed. "However we would of course not recommend that members of the public approach anyone in possession of a gun or what appears to be a gun." Kenneth Pantling Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A http://www.topica.com/t/17 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
