Hotel staff thwarted an attempted robbery when a man tried to grab a gift shop's takings at The Reefs.

Several employees restrained the man after he confronted a cashier, a 69-year-old from Sandys, who suffered bruises and cuts to her left arm and leg in the incident at 1.45 p.m. on Thursday.

She said the man asked to buy some food and paid up, but as she opened the cash register he grabbed her.

A Police spokesman said: "A struggle ensued. The suspect managed to overpower the victim and then went for the cash register, however, he was confronted by other hotel staff that heard the commotion and came to the aid of their colleague.

"The staff members managed to detain the suspect after a brief struggle. As a result, nothing was stolen."

A 21-year-old man from Smith's was arrested, but the Somerset Criminal Investigation Unit says "inquiries are ongoing".

A Police spokesman added: "We would like to commend the actions of the individuals who came to the aid of the victim in this matter."