A TEENAGER has been hailed a hero by her step-father after helping several catch an alleged thief in Blackwood.

Fourteen year-old Ryley Partridge and step-father Martyn Lancaster gave chase after hearing shouts as three traders ran through the town after a young man, who they allege had taken a laptop from the We Fix Tech shop in the town’s indoor market on Monday afternoon.

As they gave chase around the bus station, Ryley - a South Wales Argus papergirl - and Mr Lancaster realised where he was heading and took a shortcut up the steps near the garages at the back of Lilian Road.

The pair then cornered him before the others arrived.

Mr Lancaster, of Pwllglas Road, Cefn Forest said: “We were just coming from the Laffan dentists, walking through the town when we heard calls for help with three guys running after a man with a laptop. We looked at each other and decided to go after him.

“We saw that he went through the long loop around the station and decided to cut through on the steps to getting in front of him.

"She's very fast and I told her to stay back but she didn't, which was so brave, she’s only just over four foot tall and helped corner the six foot guy.

"Lots of teenagers get a bad press but it was so heroic and I’m very proud.”

Craig Jones, 20, of Blackwood Appliances was one of the traders who gave chase after he heard a shout from Adam Wood, of the We Fix Tech shop.

“After Adam called out, it was a gut feeling as there wasn’t time to think. At first the man was getting away from me as I ran after him through the market but I just thought there is no point stopping.

“Luckily the guy and his step-daughter saw exactly where he went behind the garages and we got hold of him and wrestled the laptop from him. We may not have got him as easily as we did without their help."

Gwent Police confirmed that they were called at 4.49pm and said that a man, from Swansea, remains in custody on suspicion of theft from a stall at Blackwood Indoor Market.

Mr Wood, 27, said: “He was there with another boy who was asking me about buying a tablet, which I think was a distraction. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him pick up the laptop on display and run off.

“I quickly got the other boy out of the shop and ran after him, luckily Craig Jones and Christian Powell ran after him as they are much quicker than me.

"Once Craig got full hold of him we brought him back before calling the police. It was a lot easier thanks to the guy and his step-daughter.”