A 20-YEAR-OLD woman was forced into the passenger seat of her car by a man who attempted to drive off in it.
The incident happened in a car park off Regent Street, in Mansfield town centre.
When another woman, aged 46, tried to intervene the man threatened her and fled with the keys.
A 17-year-old boy tried to stop him by giving chase and grappling with him, receiving minor injuries.
Police said a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and was being quizzed by detectives.
The incident happened just before 3.30pm yesterday.
Detective Inspector Rich Monk, of Mansfield CID, said: "This robbery took place in a busy shopping area while many were getting into their vehicles to return home. Did you see the attack? If so, we'd like to hear from you.
"I would like to acknowledge and thank the people who came to the woman's rescue. They showed real courage, risking injury to themselves in the protection of another. It's comforting to know there are people of such calibre out there.
"Patrols have been increased in the area to reassure shoppers and deter further crime. I'd like to add that incidents such as this are very rare, certainly in this type of bustling location in broad daylight."
Anyone with information should call Notts Police on 101, quoting incident 560 of Sunday 5 May 2013, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
