Gang attacked and 'tied up' security guards in brazen bid to steal cash from London hospital

 
The gang attacked security staff at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton
Matt Watts12 May 2015
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A gang of robbers attacked and “tied up” hospital security guards before attempting to steal thousands of pounds from a cash machine in the foyer using an angle grinder.

Four men burst into Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton, south-west London, in the “terrifying” raid as patients slept yards away around 3.30am on Sunday.

Staff told how they battled with security guards before trying to use the cutting equipment to get inside an ATM in the ground floor foyer.

A member of staff told the Standard two security guards were “tied up and dragged” across the floor before being foiled by another security guard who had rung police.

The four robbers fled the scene before the emergency services arrived.

The staff member said: “The robbers knew what they were doing. They went straight for the security guards. They were tied up and dragged across the floor...but a guard who they hadn’t seen called police.”

Another said: “It’s a terrifying and shocking thing to have happened. This is a hospital, its where people are cared for. It’s the first time I have heard of anything like this in 10 years working in hospitals.”

The hospital in Roehampton Lane is one of the leading centres in the world for amputee rehabilitation.

Paralympian Martine Wright, who lost both legs in the 7/7 bombings, received treatment there.

There are also more than a hundred beds for elderly and mental health patients.

Officers from the Met Police’s Flying Squad - who deal with armed and ATM robberies - were today waiting to interview the security guards about the raid. The incident was caught on CCTV.

A nurse said she was told one security guard was punched and thrown to the ground.

'Terrifying raid': the men battled with security before trying to cut into the ATM

She said: “Staff are just shocked by it all. You wouldn’t think we were vulnerable to something like this but we obviously are. I’m just pleased no one was more seriously hurt. Its worried patients that’s for sure.”

A Met Police spokesman said: “Police were called at around 3.30am on Sunday, 10 May, to reports of men attempting to rob an ATM in the foyer of Queen Mary’s Hospital.

“The suspects had fled the scene prior to police arrival. At this early stage it is believed they were using an angle grinder to attempt to gain access to the ATM.

“There were no reports of any serious injuries. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”

A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We treated one patient - a man for minor injuries. He did not go to hospital.”

Police are appealing for witnesses on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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