A NEWPORT woman was arrested in the Birmingham area last night by detectives investigating the Halifax bank armed robbery.

The 25-year-old woman was brought back to Newport and is today helping police with their inquiries.

A security guard was shot in the leg with a handgun and "a substantial amount" of cash was stolen during the raid in Newport city centre on the morning of Monday, April 11.

Detectives are also continuing to quiz a Birmingham man in connection with the robbery.

The 27-year-old man is being quizzed by officers at Newport Central police station.

The arrests come after Gwent Police revealed they were concentrating their inquiries in the Midlands.

They launched a major manhunt after the masked gang made off in a black Mitsubishi Evolution VIII car with false number plates in front of terrified shoppers. Police said the 55-year-old Securicor guard, who underwent surgery, was "lucky to be alive" after being shot.

"Have a go hero" Wayne Jones, 42, from Newport, who tried to help the guard in the raid and was coshed over the head with a metal cash box, was praised by police for his bravery.

A £50,000 reward was offered by Securicor for information about the robbery.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.