Three bandits who robbed a popular Chinese restaurant in Linden were apprehended around 23.30h Wednesday night.

The three men had attempted to flee the scene after demanding cash at Dicks Restaurant, making off with approximately $500,000, but were soon caught by alert residents and a police patrol which responded promptly.

A source close to the owners of the restaurant at 75 Republic Avenue, Mackenzie, Linden, said the business had closed for the day when one of the three men made his way to the washroom at the side of the building.

He then swiftly found his way to the back door and pierced it open. This allowed the other two waiting bandits to access the building where they held up the proprietor and his wife at gunpoint.

One of the two armed bandits then beat the owner of the restaurant and demanded cash after which they were able to grab about $500,000.

Then their escape bid was foiled by some residents who encircled one of the bandits and whipped him. The police were alerted and arrived promptly, and arrested the three robbers. (Joe Chapman)