Lithuanian hero describes the moment he tackled armed robber

The have-a-go hero who tackled an armed robber while being threatened with a loaded gun today described his bravery.

Lithuanian immigrant Deivydas Jacikas, 20, was walking through Peterborough, Cambs., with a friend when he spotted thieves leaving a jeweller’s store.

With no thought for his own safety he bravely confronted the fleeing robbers and grabbed one of the men by his arm – causing him to drop his gun.

Unemployed Deivydas, who lives in Peterborough, Cambs., yesterday told how he hopes his bravery will win him a job – or a girlfriend.

He said: ”We were looking for jobs in the city centre and when we were walking back I heard some people screaming ”catch him” and ”thieves thieves”.

”I looked back over my shoulder and I saw two guys running alongside me so I grabbed the nearest one without thinking.

”When he took the gun out and pointed it at me I didn’t know if it was loaded. I only had a second to think but I was scared.

”I hadn’t seen the gun before I grabbed him but I still would have tried to stop him even if I knew it was there. I have never seen a revolver before and I thought I was going to die.

”He got away from me but he dropped the gun so I took the weapon in my hands because I was worried he would try to shoot me.

”I stood there holding the gun and he ran away. He didn’t say anything to me and I think he was as scared as I was.

”I’m still scared because these men are free and dangerous. If I saw him in the street again I would catch him again, hold him down and ring the police.

”I think I’m a brave person but it was more instinct that made me do what I did. I’m single so maybe this will help me get a girlfriend but what I really need is a job.

”There were lots of other people who saw the robbery and I’m surprised I am the only one that did anything.

”I have had nightmares now about what happened – I could easily have died. I am very lucky to be alive.”

Deivydas has lived in England since 2008 when he moved from his native Lithuania and found work cutting sunflowers in a warehouse for Amazon.

His mother Lina and father Arunas, who are both greenhouse workers, live in Peterborough with his brother Eimintas, 15, who goes to school in the town.

On Friday Deivydas was looking for jobs with his friend Arvydas Jarasiunas, 23, when they saw the robbery at around 9am.

Arvydas said: ”I think he’s done a very good job and I told him I would never do what he did. He is a hero because only a hero would do what he did.

”It was brave not stupid but I was scared because my friend could have been shot dead.”