Have-a-go hero hurt trying to stop armed robbers

Police said the man's actions prevented the gang getting away with the cash machine

A man was left with serious facial injuries when he tried to stop armed robbers stealing a cash machine.

The gang were wielding crowbars and were seen trying to remove the ATM from the Co-operative store in Richmond just after midnight on Saturday.

North Yorkshire Police said the victim was attacked after members of the public "enjoying an evening out" challenged the men.

The suspects fled without the cash machine but two men were later arrested in connection with the incident.

One of the suspects was detained when officers from Durham Constabulary intercepted his vehicle near Murton.

North Yorkshire Police said the men, who are in their 40s and from the County Durham area, had been released on bail.

Insp Mark Gee of Richmond Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “My thanks go to the members of the public who stepped in and challenged the group.

"They have no doubt prevented them from getting away with the machine and the cash inside."

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