THE robbery suspect caught during an armed raid on a jeweller's in Oxford's Covered Market has died this afternoon, while two men have been arrested.

Clint Townsend, from Headington, stopped breathing after he was tackled by members of the public as he and an accomplice tried to smash a window at John Gowing Jewellers at about 9.15am yesterday.

He was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital as paramedics tried to resuscitate him, and he has remained in a critical condition.

Police have just confirmed that the 33-year-old has now died.

A second man fled the scene.

Detective Superintendent Chris Ward also said police had this afternoon arrested two men on suspicion of robbery.

Mr Ward, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is very much still an active investigation and there are a number of people helping us with our enquiries.

“We have specially trained officers working with all those involved in this incident.

“Two men, aged 31 and 32 have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and are currently in police custody.”

Townsend and a second man are believed to have ridden to the jeweller's on a green Kawasaki motorcycle reported stolen from an address in Botley Road on Wednesday.

After Townsend was restrained, the second man fled into Turl Street and escaped.

Police are still appealing for anyone who saw two men on a green motorcycle with the registration S618 UCL approaching the Covered Market before 9.15am.

Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Matt Jarman at Oxford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.