Police appealing for information after woman assaulted during an attempted robbery at Barclays bank in Chatham High Street
13:00, 02 October 2014
updated: 13:12, 02 October 2014
Police are appealing for information after a woman was assaulted during an attempted robbery.
At around 11.40am on Thursday 2 October, a cash in transit driver entered Barclays Bank in Chatham High Street for the delivery and collection of cash.
As she entered the premises, she heard a commotion behind her.
As she turned to look, she was assaulted by a man who grabbed the cash box.
Two members of the public then intervened and tackled the suspect while the victim managed to secure the cash box.
Another suspect entered and pulled away the first man, before the pair fled together.
The woman in her 30s was sustained minor injuries and SECAmb treated her at the scene.
The first suspect is described as black and wore a grey coat, black baseball cap and dark trousers.
The second suspect is also described as black and with a slim build. His clothing was black and he wore white gloves.
A 23-year-old woman and 39-year-old man, both from Chatham, were apprehended connection with the attempted robbery.
They were arrested nearby in Jenkins Dale following a large scale hunt, including seven police cars and a dog unit in.
Both have been bailed until November 3.
Emily Purnell said her grandad was in the bank and got the suspect “in a headlock” to help restrain the alleged perpetrators and bide some time for police to arrive.
She added: “He’s a hero there.”
Witness to the incident Kelly White was outside at the time said: “I saw a man run away and up the little road by the arcade.”
Spokesman for Barclays in the South East, Danny Reardon, said: “Police were on the scene quickly and we closed to bank while they carried out their investigations.
“It was reopened later that afternoon and we apologise to customers for an inconvenience caused.”
Anybody who witnessed the incident and has not spoken to police, or anyone with any information regarding the incident, is asked to contact DC Stuart Clayton on 01634 792543, quoting crime reference XY/034991/14.
Alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
