'Hero' commuter regains consciousness

A commuter who was shot as he tried to prevent robbers attacking a female security guard has regained consciousness.

Have-a-go hero Adam Mapleson went to the aid of a female security guard at Rayleigh railway station in Essex, on Friday evening.

The 24-year-old was shot in the chest by the attackers and underwent an operation at Southend Hospital where he remains in the high dependency unit.

The security guard and a male colleague were mugged as they loaded money into a cash machine at the commuter station. The robbers are thought to have escaped with a box containing tens of thousands of pounds.

Detective Superintendent Michael Field, who is leading the investigation, praised the bravery of Mr Mapleson.

"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," said Mr Field.

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