TWO quick-thinking security guards have been rewarded after helping to catch an armed robber in Golden Square Shopping Centre.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, aged 26, from Liverpool and Dale Coward, aged 30, from Golborne were both commended for their actions during a special ceremony after the incident in October last year.

The pair sprang into action after travel agents Thomson reported they had been robbed at gunpoint and provided a description of the male offender.

He had fled with close to £4,000 in cash and was carrying an imitation gun.

Ryan alerted his colleagues, including Dale Coward, and used CCTV to identify the suspect and track his movements to a nearby bus.

The security team gave the police a full description of the offender and his exact location, which led to his arrest near Runcorn.

The robber, who was also wanted in connection with other offences, has since been convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

Ryan said: “I was just doing my job but it’s great that we helped to apprehend a suspect.

“It’s great to be able to help the police and do our bit to cut down crime in the community.”

Dale added it was ‘very humbling’ to be honoured alongside police officers at the ceremony in Widnes.

Ian Cox, Golden Square general manager, said: “We’re very pleased that what was quite a distressing incident for staff has had such a positive outcome.

“We’re very proud of Ryan and Dale and the rest of the team, they’re our Golden Square heroes.”