Mayor's Venezuelan theft ordeal

A town mayor was subjected to a terrifying ordeal at the hands of a gunman in South America.

Councillor Terri Welch, the mayor of Melksham, Wiltshire, was visiting Venezuela to see her 31-year-old daughter, Karen.

The pair had been shopping in Maraciabo, and were returning by taxi to her daughter's flat when the driver threatened them with a gun.

Two men then jumped into the car and stole cash and valued possessions.

My mind went a total blank and then I thought this cannot be happening Councillor Terri Welsh

Speaking of the incident, which happened in September, the mayor said she was immediately suspicious of the driver.

"I don't know whether I felt some bad vibes or what it was but I didn't trust him," she told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

"He was driving erratically and I was concerned; then suddenly he turned around and pulled a gun on us.

"My mind went a total blank and then I thought this cannot be happening.

'More money'

"I can't remember what he said but he pulled into the side of the road almost immediately and there were two men standing there.

"They got into the car and then they just said, 'money, money', so I handed over my handbag and they went through it.

"They kept asking why we didn't have any more money, but I explained we were just going out to buy some elastic.

"I am just now appreciative of the fact that we got through the situation and came out the other side."