Images issued over rail shooting

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Police have issued e-fit images of two men they want to question over the shooting of a rail commuter who tried to stop an armed robbery.

Adam Mapleson, 24, was shot in the chest when he went to help two security guards being held at gunpoint by the men in Rayleigh, Essex, on 25 May.

British Transport Police, who called Mr Mapleson's actions heroic, said the e-fits came from eye-witness reports.

Police are giving leaflets to commuters in an appeal for information.

Mr Mapleson spoke to police investigating the attempted murder and armed robbery for the first time on Thursday.

£25,000 reward

Det Supt Michael Field said: "Adam is recovering well in hospital and was able to speak briefly with British Transport Police officers yesterday.

"The e-fit images we have released are based on eye witness descriptions of the men who stole the cash box."

The robbers fled in a white Ford Escort which was later found abandoned.

Police said it had been bought on 17 May from a dealer in Kent and had been seen driving erratically in Websters Way, near the station, on the day of the attack.

One suspect was white, of stocky build, aged in his late 30s, with brown hair in a pony tail.

Mr Mapleson was praised by police for his "heroic" actions

He wore a dark jacket, trainers and a bandana around his neck and walked with a limp.

The other man was white, aged in his 20s or 30s, of medium build, with short brown hair and had a local accent.

He wore blue jeans, white trainers, a brown jacket and a dark baseball cap.

A £25,000 reward has been offered by security firm Loomis for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

A man arrested in connection with the attack has been released on police bail and inquiries are continuing.