TRADERS in Trowbridge are beefing up security after a man burst into a newsagent with a baseball bat and demanded cash.

A woman in her 40s, who was serving behind the counter at Stallard News in Stallard Street had to be taken home, suffering shock, after the robbery on Tuesday.

The robber, wearing a scarf over his face and wielding a baseball bat, stormed into the shop at about 10.30am.

He escaped with cash from the till and ran off towards Wicker Hill but was arrested 90 minutes later in Westbury. Police later recovered the bat in the River Biss.

Stuart West, who has owned the newsagent for 18 years, but was not in the shop at the time of the robbery, said: "A man came into the shop and walked around. He came back in with the bat and started threatening the girl and asked for money out of the till, which she gave him.

"I thought he must have been a bit of an idiot because there is no money in here we don't keep a lot of money in the shop."

Mr West said a panic alarm had been fitted but it was not activated. He will now review security measures.

"I was surprised it happened but I suppose it is an easy target," said Mr West.

"There are so many people gasping for money with drug problems and that kind of thing. You have got to be very careful."

John Arnold, 40, manager of neighbouring Unwins wine merchants said there were security cameras in his shop but was worried about the frequency of burglaries in the area.

He said: "I arrived at work after it all happened. I went round to ask if everyone was alright and heard a lady had gone home.

"It does make you think as a shop like this one is a prime target. It is sad things like this are happening more and more frequently."

Karen Sawyer, 41, of Bubbles hairstylists in Stallard Street had just been in the newsagent shortly before the robbery.

She said: "I know everyone at the shop well. I feel very sorry for the lady."

Police arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the robbery and he was taken to Melksham police station for questioning. He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information can call Trowbridge Police on (01225) 763101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.