My pride, by the father of hero shot by robbers

Adam Mapleson, 24, was shot in the chest at point-blank range as he tried to save a woman security guard being attacked by two robbers.

His father Mike said: "It's something heroic but we are feeling mixed emotions - proud that he stepped in but distraught that he was hurt.

"It is a worrying time. We are hoping he will pull through."

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He said Adam has regained consciousness after emergency surgery at Southend hospital, where his condition was 'serious but comfortable'.

Witnesses said Adam slumped to the pavement screaming in pain after the shotgun blast as he went to help the woman, who had been loading a cash machine outside busy Rayleigh train station in Essex at 7.15am on Friday.

A male security guard with the woman was also attacked and the white robbers, with scarves covering their faces, escaped with a box believed to contain tens of thousands of pounds. But security experts said the cash would be useless because the notes would be soaked in red indelible dye if the box was forced open.

Adam's father added: "He was on his way to London where he works in IT support when this terrible incident occurred. Knowing Adam as we do, although we were shocked to discover he had been shot, we were not surprised he received his injuries trying to protect another.

"Adam is a loving son and brother, with many friends. He is a keen computer gamer who enjoys music and hill walking.

"I am pleased to be able to tell you that Adam has regained consciousness and I have been able to briefly talk to him today.

"He is beginning to recover from his ordeal and we hope that he will be able to talk to police in the next couple of days.

"My son's actions were extremely brave. However I would urge anyone, if they know who these men are, not to approach them but to inform police immediately."

The robbers' white Escort getaway car was found burnt-out nearby. The security company, Loomis, has offered £25,000 for information leading to their capture.

Friends paid tribute to Adam on the MySpace website.

A user known as Rich wrote: "Adam, you are a hero! You'll make it through this, dude. Please please please get well soon."

On his page, Adam talks of his love for heavy metal music and computer games.

David Hughes, 62, who lives opposite, said: "He is a quiet guy. They are a nice respectable family."