THIS is the moment a heroic shopkeeper held at gun point wrestled the firearm from his attacker.

At 7.30pm on Thursday February 18 a hooded man with a jumper covering his face walked into Woodcote Way News in Caversham.

When the shop's owner Satheech Elanga asked him to take down the hood, the would-be robber took out a gun.

The quick thinking newsagent grabbed the firearm, turning it on the crook before chasing him out of the shop.

On Saturday afternoon, in between receiving congratulations from customers, Mr Elanga recounted the dramatic events.

“The man came towards the counter and I shut the door of the counter ready to serve him. Then he took a gun out,” the former Sainsbury's manager said.

“In his other hand he had a black bag which he pushed towards me and said 'quickly put all the money in it. Hurry up.'

“I was a little shocked but calm. I said 'I haven't got any money.'”

Aware that a male and female customer were stuck at the back of the shop, the Lower Earley resident made the split second decision to disarm the thief.

“I don't know what got into me but I quickly grabbed the gun with my left hand, got hold of it and turned it onto him.

“I don't know how I did it.”

The man fell backwards before opening the newsagents door and sprinting away, followed by the now gun toting Mr Elanger.

“I chased him halfway down the drive before stopping because I was shocked,” he concluded.

Specialist police officers with dogs were called in to hunt the criminal.

Detective constable Marius York, based at Reading Force CID, said: "This was a frightening incident for the member of staff, but thankfully no one was injured and the offender left empty-handed.

"We appreciate the concern in the community that this may cause, but a thorough investigation is now underway.

"If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information which may help us, please call the Thames Valley Police 24-hour Enquiry Centre on 101, quoting reference 43170047722."

A 26 year-old man from Oxford has been arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery in connection with the incident and bailed until the end of March.

*Video has been edited.