Hero customers tackle Wednesbury bank robber
A bank robber was wrestled to the ground by have-a-go hero customers as he attempted to raid a branch in Wednesbury.
The unsuspecting crook was tackled as he went into Lloyds armed with a hammer.
He is said to have made a series of threats before brave customers stepped in, managing to overpower him and pin him to the ground.
The would-be bank thief was held in place until the police arrived.
The courageous customers have been hailed as heroes following their selfless actions.
Wednesbury councillor Peter Hughes said the incident would have been 'terrifying' for staff and people using the bank and called for those who intervened to be given awards for their actions.
He said: "I heard somebody overpowered him and a couple of people wrestled him to the ground. It sounded like they made a citizen's arrest.
"These people deserve some kind of award, the fact they have put themselves and risk to ensure the man was apprehended."
West Midlands Police spokesman Brigg Ford said: "We received a 999 call reporting a robbery in progress.
"A man carrying a hammer has gone in and made some threats.
"He was overpowered by customers who pinned him to the floor.
"Police arrived a couple of minutes later. Nobody was hurt."
The drama unfolded at the branch on Walsall Street at shortly after 9am on Thursday.
Councillor Hughes said he was proud of the customers' actions, even though it is not something he would advise.
He said: "There have been quite a few incidents going on at banks locally and I know it is quite upsetting for staff.
"Banks tell staff not to get involved and to hand the money over.
"This is typical of local people to try to do something when they see something like this going on - and the fact that more than one was prepared to try and stop it.
"I'm proud of them, even though I wouldn't advise it.
"It could have just as easily been me and my wife in the bank attending on that day and the whole thing would have been terrifying both for staff and members of the public who were in there at the time."
Brian Moughan, aged 26, of no fixed abode, has been charged with robbery.
