A man has died days after being restrained while attempting to rob an East London shop with a knife. Police were alerted to an armed robbery in St Nicholas Avenue, Hornchurch shortly before 6.50am on Monday, December 30.
Officers say the 52-year-old was detained by staff and a member of the public. Before police arrived the man suffered a medical emergency.
He was subsequently rushed to hospital and remained in critical condition. The man died on New Year’s Day.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police were called on Monday, December 30 at 6.49am to reports of an armed robbery at a shop in St Nicholas Avenue, Hornchurch. A 52-year-old man had gone into the shop before threatening staff with a knife. He was detained by staff and a member of the public.
“Prior to officers arriving, the man suffered a medical emergency. Paramedics were called and he was taken to hospital where he remained in a critical condition.
“On Wednesday January 1, the man died in hospital. His next of kin has been informed and will be supported by specialist officers. A special post mortem will take place in due course.”
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