MELAKA: Firemen were called in to “flush out” the leader of an armed robbery gang who hid in a water tank of a high-rise residential building here.

       The suspect and three other members were trying to escape a police ambush on Tuesday.

       Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Christopher Patit said police launched a manhunt for the gang after several reports were lodged by their victims between Jan 9 and 15.

       He said they tracked the gang and ambushed them at Bukit Beruang and Bukit Katil between 12.30am and 5am.

       “One of the suspects, believed to be the gang leader, managed to escape.

       “He climbed up a building and hid in a water tank.

       “Firemen were called in to help ensure the safety of the police personnel at the top of the building while detaining the gang leader,” he said yesterday.

       ACP Christopher said with the arrest, police believe three armed robbery cases, mostly involving foreigners, have been solved.

       He added that all four tested positive for drugs.