Fired up!

The crew, who are from Preston Circus fire station, Brighton, were clearing up after putting out a kitchen fire in Grubbs takeaway, London Road, when they heard a man shout for help at 4.30pm yesterday.

Firefighters Dave Sommer, 35, Mike Watson, 32, Mick Janes, 44, ran into the street to see a man, believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s, running from the Halifax being chased by an off-duty police clerk.

Dave said: "A young lad was screaming, telling people to call the police because there was a robbery.

"I saw a man running from the bank.

"He had a three or four- inch kitchen knife."

The firefighters, helped by the male police clerk, caught up with the man in the road behind the bank.

Mr Sommer said: "I rugby tackled him and put him in a head lock then marched him back to the front of the building where we held on to him until the police arrived.

"I didn't think anything of doing it, our job involves danger, and this is just another part of it."

Preston Circus Station Commander Bob Trotter said he was very proud of the quick-thinking actions of his crew.

He said: "I think it was superb, they showed tremendous initiative.

"Although firefighters are not trained for these situations, it's hard to stop them acting on their own volition.

"They are public servants and have acted in the true tradition of the fire service."

Ian Beggs, a spokesman for the Halifax, confirmed there had been an attempted robbery at the London Road branch.

He said: "A male demanded a sum of money.

"No staff or customers were hurt during the incident."

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said a man had been arrested in connection with the attempted robbery and they were looking for witnesses.

She said: "We are appealing for people who were in London Road shortly before the incident and who may have seen something to come forward."

Anyone with any information can call Brighton CID on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.