Borough High Street bank robbery gunman relase!!!

crime reporter,Greater London(wp/es)::: An alleged gunman seized by members of the public after a failed bank raid was on day release from jail, it is understood. A suspect, wielding what appeared to be an AK47 assault rifle, is claimed to have threatened staff at Barclays in Borough High Street and demanded cash before fleeing empty-handed. Passers-by chased the man, still brandishing the gun, through the 17th-century pub the George Inn, sending about 40 drinkers diving for cover. Security staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital joined the chase and the suspect was hauled to the ground. He was being questioned at a south London police station today. The Ministry of Justice refused to comment on claims that he was a prisoner on day release. Teresa Byrne, 20, who works at a coffee shop near the spot where the suspect was apprehended, said: “I heard lots of shouting and saw people going full pelt after this guy. Three people jumped on him to get him to the ground. Crowds of people came out of the hospital to take a look.” Minutes later armed police arrived and arrested the gunman, described as black, bearded and wearing a baseball cap, yards from the entrance to the hospital. ITV journalist Darren Burn, 27, said he was having “a nice quiet drink” with friends at the George Inn when the gunman came running through. “At first I thought it was some kind of stunt, but then they shouted, ‘Get down he’s got a gun,’” he said. “There was no screaming or shouting, it was just deadly silent and we all got down on the floor.” Sam Luck, 29, manager at the nearby Heeltap bar, said: “One of my customers reckoned he got hit in the street by a vehicle and might have been limping a bit. There were quite a few people chasing him.” Police said a weapon was recovered and is being examined to determine whether it was a real firearm or an imitation. Scotland Yard praised the bravery of those who tackled the gunman. A spokeswoman said: “No shots were fired and no members of the public were injured.” Inquiries are ongoing but no one else is being sought in connection with the incident, she added.