'Have-a-go-heroes' tackle robber in the street during attempted jewellery heist

CCTV shows members of the public pinning a man to the ground after seeing him exit the jewellers

CCTV has emerged of 'have-a-go-heroes' tackling and pinning a man to the ground as he attempted to flee after robbing a jewellers.

After police found Taimar Uibopuu, 30, restrained by members of the public in Leeds, detectives tracked down Alar Kajurand, 44, and Rainis Kilk, 26, before they were sentenced to a total of 51 years in prison.

The Estonian gang had flown into the country days before the raid, where they attempted to steal more than 150 watches worth £935,000.

Kajurand began the attempted heist by disguising himself in a long dark wig and producing a hand gun to keep the door open. Uibopuu and Kilik entered and began removing watches from displays.

After three minutes inside, the men exited the shop and split up. Members of the public who had become suspicious during the raid alerted police before stopping Uibopuu themselves.

The bag that he was carrying contained 64 watches, worth nearly £500,000.

Kajurand was jailed for 18 years; Kilk was sentenced to 18 years and Uibopuu was jailed for 15 years.

Detective Inspector Phil Jackson, of Leeds District CID, said: "This was a highly organised criminal gang who had travelled into the country solely to commit high value jewellery robberies.

"They put very detailed planning into the offences and did everything they could to avoid detection. What they hadn’t bargained on was the very courageous actions of the members of the public who intervened and detained one of the gang at the scene of the Leeds robbery and forced them to leave behind crucial evidence in London.

"While we never encourage members of the public to put themselves at risk, their actions proved absolutely vital in bringing these men to justice."