Father's tribute to 'shot hero son'
Police are examining CCTV footage from the scene
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Saturday, 26, May 2007 06:36
The father of a 24-year-old commuter who was shot while trying to stop robbers attacking a female security guard has said his son is a "hero".
Adam Mapleson is now said to be in a "comfortable" condition after undergoing surgery for the last two days for gunshot wounds.
Speaking outside Southend hospital today, his father Michael said: "Knowing Adam as we do, although we were shocked to discover he had been shot, we were not surprised he received his injuries as a result of trying to protect another.
"Adam is a loving son and brother with many friends."
Mr Mapleson's sentiments echo that of British transport police (BTP), who praised the commuter's bravery for intervening and trying to protect the female guard, who was targeted along with a male colleague as they loaded money into a cash machine at Rayleigh rail station in Essex, yesterday.
The robbery saw two thieves escape with cash thought to amount to tens of thousands of pounds.
Praising the efforts of Adam, who lives in Rayleigh, BTP Detective Superintendent Michael Field said: "He was heroic, there is no doubt about it.
"He went to the aid of a female guard who was being robbed. He put his life on the line."
British transport police officers were called to attend the robbery at 07:20 BST yesterday morning.
Two men with scarves across their faces were seen driving away from the scene in white escort van, which was later found abandoned in nearby Eastcheap.
It is believed that they may have subsequently escaped in another vehicle.
Detectives have revealed that parts of the incident were captured on CCTV footage which is being reviewed by officers in an attempt to identify the raiders.
While the robbers have so far evaded capture, security experts have indicated that their crime was in vain as the bank notes they stole will become soaked in indelible red dye if the box containing them is forced open.