Knife -Point Robbers Thwarted By Golfing Pensioner

Police praise actions of have-a-go hero and professionalism of officers

A 66-year old woman golfer became an unwitting hero in a violent knife-point robbery at Perivale Park Golf Club.

The masked robbers had entered the clubhouse, in Stockdove Way, at about 9.30am on Monday (26 September).

A security guard collecting money was threatened at knife-point before they tried to escape. 

The pensioner saw the three men running from the club carrying a money box which had 3,500 of cash inside.

She managed to grab one of them, a 21-year-old man before officers from the Flying Squad and firearms unit CO19 stepped in.

Another man, aged 20, carrying the cash assaulted a Specialist Firearms Officer with the heavy metal box, knocking him unconscious. He was then detained by other CO19 officers.

A third man, 19, was also arrested.

The injured officer was treated for concussion, had 19 stitches to his face and lip, and suffered two broken fingers and broken bones in his hand in the brutal attack. He has since been released from hospital.

Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Dillon celebrated the bravery of the officer and the have-a-go hero. He said:

"Every day, CO19 officers are deployed in dangerous circumstances to protect the public and unarmed colleagues. I pay tribute to the professionalism of all the officers involved and to the member of the public who had the courage to assist police."

Detective Inspector Neil Williams, of the Flying Squad based at Tower Bridge, said:

"This was a very violent robbery where a significant amount of money was stolen. Due to the swift actions of Flying Squad and firearms officers, these people were arrested and the cash recovered."

The three men appeared at Tower Bridge Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (27) charged with robbery. They were all remanded in custody and due to appear at the Old Bailey in January.

27th September 2011