A RAIDER held a newsagent manager hostage as he demanded cash.

A man went into Havelock News, in Havelock Street, and demanded to be shown the safe at around 5pm on New Year's Eve.

The manager was locking up the shop when she was grabbed by both arms and forced to the back of the shop. There was a struggle and the victim managed to sound the panic alarm.

The man then grabbed the victim's handbag and ran out of the shop. A member of the public chased and caught him, retrieving the handbag. But the man subsequently escaped.

The man was white, in his mid-twenties, and wore dark trousers, dark shoes and a knee-length coat. He was also wearing a dark grey scarf and dark woollen hat.

Anyone with information should call Swindon police on 01793 528111.