Last updated at 09:54, Thursday, 29 July 2010

AN OFF duty police officer foiled an armed raid on a Maryport shop this morning.

Inspector Dennis Kelly was filling up his car at the petrol station on Curzon Street at 2am when he saw a man pointing a gun as the shop assistant inside the Spar Stores shop.

Insp Kelly wrestled the 27-year-old man to the floor while armed officers were called to the scene.

The brave policeman had just finished a shift in Wigton when the incident occurred.

Insp Kelly saw the man ask the shop attendant for a sandwich, cigarettes and scratchcards.

When the attendant returned with the goods, he found the man was pointing a gun at him.

The gun turned out to be an imitation firearm but the man is still in custody and will be questioned today.

West Cumbria Superintendent 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 Insp Kelly who acted in the finest traditions of Cumbria Constabulary.”
 

First published at 09:44, Thursday, 29 July 2010
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk