Shootout leaves four in hospital
A policeman and two bank robbers were shot yesterday after a botched heist in central Athens that also left a bank customer injured, police said. The four men were being treated in the hospital last night after two armed robbers tried to hold up a branch of Eurobank in Amerikis Square. Two passing squad cars responded to an alarm sounded by bank staff and confronted the armed men. In an attempt to escape, the robbers took hostage a student who was in the bank. As they attempted to get away, the student fought back and one of the thieves struck him on the head with the butt of his gun. Police officers then exchanged fire with the robbers. More than 30 shots are thought to have been fired during the exchange, which left two policemen with face, foot and hand injuries. One of the robbers also suffered a hand injury. All three were taken to hospital for treatment along with the student. The other robber was arrested while a third suspect, who was waiting in a getaway car, managed to escape, police said.
