Police arrested the man on Sunday in connection with the shooting of 24-year-old commuter, Adam Mapleson, in an armed robbery at Rayleigh, Essex, on Friday.

A spokeswoman for the British Transport Police said: "We arrested a man late last night in connection with the armed robbery and attempted murder at Rayleigh railway station.

"We are not giving out any details in relation to the man. He is currently helping us with our inquiries. He is in custody."

The arrest follows an incident at about 7.15am on Friday when Mr Mapleson tackled armed robbers as they attacked a female security guard.

The guard and a male driver were loading a cash machine at the time of the incident.

On Saturday, Mr Mapleson's father, Mike, hailed his son a hero for his actions.

He said: "Knowing Adam as we do, although we're shocked to discover he had been shot, we were not surprised he received his injuries trying to protect another."

The British Transport Police spokeswoman said Mr Mapleson's condition was currently "comfortable and improving". He had been seriously ill immediately after the incident and was operated on by doctors at Southend hospital on Friday night.

Mr Mapleson has since spoken to his family and police are hopeful he will be able to help them with their inquiries.