MELAKA: An armed robbery gang leader who hid in a water tank of a high-rise residential building was "flushed out" with the help of firemen.

       Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Christopher Patit said police ambushed four members of the gang, aged 32 to 43, at Bukit Beruang and Bukit Katil between 12.30am and 5am on Tuesday (Jan 18).

       "We launched a manhunt for the gang after several reports were lodged by victims between Jan 9 and Jan 15," he said on Thursday (Jan 20).

       ACP Christopher said one of the suspects, believed to be the gang leader, managed to escape during the chase before hiding in a water tank of a high-rise building.

       He said firemen were called in to help ensure the safety of police personnel at the top of the building while detaining the gang leader.

       "With the arrest, we believe three armed robbery cases, mostly involving victims who are foreigners, have been solved.

       "All four suspects were positive for drugs during screening," he said.