August 20th 2008 Channel 9 news-
Security guards opened fire on a gang of robbers last night, shooting one man who later died in hospital after having been dumped by his accomplices or a family member.
The brazen shoot-out unfolded in one of the busiest streets in Parramatta after the masked bandits attempted to ambush the Armaguard security guards as they were about to deliver cash to the National Australia Bank on George St.
The guards were threatened by the trio at 6.40pm with at least two of them armed.
Instead of handing over their guns and cash, two of the three guards pulled out their weapons and opened fire.
One of the robbers was struck before all three, including the injured man ran down a side alley then fled in a white Mitsubishi Lancer with stolen number plates.
Police later found a revolver at the scene which they believed was being carried by one of the offenders.
Soon after, a man suffering a gunshot wound to the upper body was dumped at Auburn Hospital where he died a short time later.
It appears the man had been transferred to another vehicle, possibly a ute before being driven to the hospital.
The man, 25, was identified by relatives at the hospital according to acting Superintendent David Egan-Lee.
Police had to disperse a large crowd that had gathered outside of Auburn Hospital.
A hospital spokeswoman said that up to 100 people, believed to be friends and family of the deceased man, were shouting outside the entrance.
The shoot-out was believed to be captured on security cameras in George St which showed the men wearing dark clothing, hooded jackets, gloves and white scarves over their faces.
A car fitting the description of that used in the robbery was found dumped in Berala.
The Armaguard van was left parked partially on the footpath outside the bank, with George St closed to traffic as detectives and forensic officers scoured the scene.
It was not known how many shots were fired by the guards.
The guards were taken to Parramatta police station for questioning but it was unclear if any charges were to be laid.
Last night's failed robbery is one of a string of robberies on armoured vans in the past year.
The most recent was also in Parramatta on June 3 when a mother and her baby had guns pointed at them by two men who robbed guards at an ATM machine inside Westfield.
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