Witnesses report that suspect was restrained until police arrived
A robbery at a bank in West Ealing is believed to have been foiled after a customer reportedly sat on one of the suspects.
David Highton from West Ealing Neighbours was close to Barclays Bank on Uxbridge Road around 3pm this afternoon (Wednesday 18th January) and saw the aftermath of the raid.
Read David's account here
A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "We were called to the scene following reports of an incident in West Ealing Broadway at about 2.50pm.
"A male was alleged to have entered the premises and demanded money before leaving the building on foot.
"After leaving the bank he was pursued by a member of the public who tackled and detained the man.
"There were no firearms used although staff had been told by the man that he was armed."
A spokesman for Barclays said: "We can confirm that there was an incident at our branch yesterday. The branch was closed for a short time while police carried out their investigation. We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused."
A 21-year-old man has been charged with robbery and is due to appear before magistrates today.
19th January 2012