A BRAVE York shopkeeper wrestled an armed robber to the ground and chased him down a street.

David Muir, 48, owner of D&K Stores, in Albemarle Road, South Bank, was held at gunpoint by a masked robber who demanded cash from the till at 9.55pm last night.

But the shopkeeper chased the robber when he made to leave with about £560 in cash, knocking him to the ground.

As the gunman made off down Brunswick Street, he threw the cash in the air, brandished his gun at David, and disappeared down a side street.

But seconds later, one of the shop's customers spotted him removing his balaclava, and gave a description to police.

David said: "I just couldn't believe it was happening.

"When he started to back off, for some stupid reason best known to myself I decided to jump on him. Something must have clicked that I wasn't going to let that happen."

He believed the robber had thrown the cash in the air to stop the chase.

"I wasn't frightened," he said.

"I just felt a bit stupid for doing what I did. I don't think it was the wisest thing I've ever done in my life.

"I'm a bit achy now - I've got a few bruises."

David, who has owned the shop with his wife, Karen, for the last 12 years, said he had never before been the victim of a similar incident.

After a 30-minute search by armed officers and police dog teams, an 18-year-old man was discovered in nearby Southlands Road and arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said officers believed the handgun was a replica ball-bearing gun. It has been sent away for forensic examination.

He added: "We are appealing for anyone who was in the Albemarle Road area between 10pmn and 11pm last night and who saw anything suspicious to contact the police witness line on 01904 669884."

An 18-year-old man was today being interviewed by police at York Police Station in connection with the incident.

Updated: 13:59 Friday, June 18, 2004