Devon police issue statement following death in bookmakers

The man, in his 50s, entered the Ladbrokes branch in Crownhill Road at 6.45pm on Friday 25 January.

Plymouth's police commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Bickley has made the following statement on Saturday 26 January:

"Last night’s events resulted in the tragic death of a Plymouth man. His family are being supported by police and our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this sad and difficult time.

"Within ten minutes of receiving a report of an armed robbery my officers were on the scene. Throughout today we have been working hard to establish the facts of what actually occurred.

"The deceased is a 50 year old man from the Honicknowle area of the city.

A forensic post mortem has been carried out today but formal identification has not yet been completed. Police though can confirm that this man is locally known as Alan Levers.

"As previously reported, the matter has been voluntarily referred to the IPCC, although at this time Devon and Cornwall Police have the lead for the investigation. This is routine practice for this type of enquiry.

"A detailed, locally-led investigation has begun with support from major crime team detectives. I can confirm that no one has been arrested in connection with this death nor has anyone been questioned under caution as a suspect at this time.

"I can also clarify that there were four people in the shop at the time of the incident and they have all supported our inquiries

"It is possible there were other people in the immediate area around the time of the incident or perhaps had just left the store a short time earlier. I would like to ask those people to contact us on 101or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 – they may have some information that can assist the police investigation.

"I can share with you that the firearm has been initially examined by a police firearms officer and it appears to be an imitation pistol, though this still needs to be verified. I would like to add however that there would have been no way of knowing this at the time of the incident. The actions taken by members of the public in the shop were brave and showed a disregard for their own safety.

"I would like to stress that armed robbery with a firearm in the city of Plymouth is extremely rare, with only 1 recorded gun-point robbery at a business premises in the last 12 months.

"The witnesses who were inside the store at the time of the incident are being offered full support from us as are my police officers who were also at the scene last night.

"We have had neighbourhood officers out on patrol today in the West Park and Honicknowle areas reassuring and listening to local residents to allay their concerns and fears.

"I know you understand and appreciate that this is an ongoing investigation, still in its early stages and I am not able to share any more detail at this time."