Gold Coast tradie becomes hero after crash-tackling armed robbery suspect at Biggera Waters petrol station

Katharina Loesche
7NEWS
A tradesman named Murray Allan intervened to stop an armed robbery at a Gold Coast service station after the suspect stormed in demanding cash and cigarettes. Allan had just purchased his breakfast when he tackled the would-be robber, holding him unt

A tradie has been hailed a hero after stopping a man trying to rob a service station armed with what appeared to be a gun.

Police allege a man entered the Hope Energy service station on Brisbane Rd in Biggera Waters, Gold Coast, Queensland, about 5.15am on Thursday, approached the counter and gestured he had a weapon.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Tradie stops robbery with swift tackle

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Murray Allen, a regular customer, had just ordered breakfast at the service station when the 24-year-old man from Robina entered and demanded cash and cigarettes.

Workers recall the suspect hiding what looked like a firearm under his shirt and shouting for everyone to put their hands up.

That’s when Allen sprang into action.

CCTV showed he tackled the man from behind, pinning him to the ground.

The man resisted and a struggle ensured, during which a second male customer assisted.

Quick reflexes from Murray stopped the robbery cold with a powerful tackle from behind.
Quick reflexes from Murray stopped the robbery cold with a powerful tackle from behind. Credit: 7NEWS
Allen crashes in and pins the suspect to the ground.
Allen crashes in and pins the suspect to the ground. Credit: 7NEWS
Allen pins the suspect to the ground, with a second customer rushing to help.
Allen pins the suspect to the ground, with a second customer rushing to help. Credit: 7NEWS

Police arrived minutes later and took the suspect into custody.

“I was shitting myself to be quite honest but he had to be stopped,” Murray told 7NEWS exclusively.

Witnesses said the suspect never actually had a gun, but was charged with attempted armed robbery.

No one was physically injured during the incident.

Police arrive moments later to place the 24-year-old suspect under arrest at the Biggera Waters servo.
Police arrive moments later to place the 24-year-old suspect under arrest at the Biggera Waters servo. Credit: 7NEWS

Staff at the servo have promised Murray his usual breakfast is on the house next time he comes in.

Despite the praise, Murray insists he’s no hero but admits watching the footage of his takedown was pretty impressive.

“Oh, I’d have to give that a 9.5 mate,” he said with a laugh.

Police continue their investigation and urge anyone with information or video footage to come forward.

Originally published on 7NEWS

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