LONDON SENSATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18334, 17 February 1920, Page 5

LONDON SENSATION.

W AUSTRALIAN'S ERROR. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, February 15. Three detectives raided a house in, Pimlico occupied by an Australian military police corporal, where it was believed that the proceeds of recent big burglaries were concealed. The Australian fired a revolver it the d4ttec-» tives, but owing to the magazine 'amming only one shot was effective, striking Detective-Sergeant Cooper in the right breast and coming out at the shoulder. He is not in a serious condition. The Australian was overpowered ana arrested, also another occupant. The house had been under observation for several days. The police forced an entry at two o'clock on Sunday morning, and while in the passage the Australian demanded ■ their _ business. The police replied: "We intend to search the premises." They then heard a revolver click in the darkness, but it misfired. Then a shot rang out, striking Detective Cooper. When the Australian was arrested he shouted: " It's all a mistake." The police are reticent regarding the contents of the premises, but indicate that there will be sensational developments, involving the artrest of others, who used the premises to store the proceeds of' robberies. .(Received February 16, 8-40 p.m.) LONDON, February .15. The Australian arrested at Pimlico is Corporal King. He was awaiting a passage to Australia. He will be charged with attempted murder. (Received February 17, 12.25 a.m-) LONDON, February 16. Major Jarvie, Australian assistant provost-marshal, gives Corporal King a most excellent charaoter. He served with the Fourth Battalion throughout the war. Apparently he shot Detec-tive-Sergeant Cooper believing the police were burglara. (Received February 17, 1.20 a.m.) When the police arrived at 8, Moreton Place, they aroused an unmarried woman, named Harvey, who, believing they were ran to the room where King and his wife were sleeping. King pioked up a pistol and rah to the front door to see what was the matter. The police forced the door. King warned them that unless they showed authority he would shoot, but Cooper rushed on, and King fired. The rest of the detectives then overpowered King and took him to Gerald Road police station. Meanwhile the man and woman whom the police were really seeking were aroused. The police caught the woman and took her to the station with King. The man unsuccessfully hid himself in a cupboard in a neighbouring room, where he terrified the woman into silence until the police had gone. Curiously enough, the man did not attempt to escape, out returned to the room, barricaded the door, and went to sleep again. He was taken by the police later in the morning. Two other members of the gang arrived during the afternoon. Instead of finding a comrade, they found the police in possession and were arrested.