A 54-YEAR-OLD man who helped nab an armed raider took the man's shoes and socks off to stop him from running away.

The quick-thinking shopper was one of six have-a-go heroes who chased, captured and disarmed the gunman in a busy Old Town street.

The group swung into action after two masked men tried to rob Blayney's off-licence.

And detectives this week praised their valiant efforts and admitted the raider could have escaped but for them.

The balaclava-clad duo - both carrying firearms - burst into the Church Street liquor store at 3.30pm on Friday.

They threatened the woman shop assistant and demanded cash from the till but, when she became hysterical, they fled empty-handed.

A 23-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man who were outside the shop heard the woman's screams and gave chase after spotting one robber run towards High Street.

A 27-year-old man and 15-year-old youth, who were walking along High Street and guessed what was happening, deliberately tripped the man as he ran passed them.

Another public-spirited citizen, a 50-year-old man, bravely took the gun off the raider as he lay on the ground.

And just for good measure, the astute 54-year-old passer-by took his shoes and socks off so he couldn't run away.

All six then stayed with him until police arrived.

Det Con Sarah Hall, of Runcorn CID, said: "What these members of the public did was extremely commendable. The offender was armed and had already proved he was prepared to use violence to get what he wanted.

"All six were very brave and, thanks to their quick thinking and public-spiritedness, this man has now been arrested and charged.

"It is very refreshing to see members of the public help in this way and we can't praise them enough for what they did."

A 23-year-old Liverpool man has been remanded in custody charged with attempted armed robbery and possession of a firearm.

Detectives are still hunting his accomplice, who ran down an alleyway alongside Travel World and into Mersey Road.

He is described as six feet tall, of slim build, with a spotty complexion. He was wearing a blue jacket and black jeans.

Any witnesses with information are asked to contact Det Con Hall or Det Con Sue Davies on 01928 713456.

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