A MAN held a bank employee hostage and threatened to set her on fire in an attempt to escape from police in Sha Tin. The 31-year-old man entered the Chik Chuen Street branch of the Yien Yieh Commercial Bank at 4.20 pm and splashed thinner on a customer service officer in the hall. Holding a lighter in one hand, he grabbed the 25-year-old woman by the neck and demanded $100,000. Customers ran out of the bank, and one bank worker who escaped through a back door waved down a passing police Land Rover. On seeing the police, the man attempted to escape, dragging his hostage down the street. Two officers drew their revolvers while the others tried to negotiate with the man. When they were about 30 metres away from the bank, an officer came up behind the man and caught him around the neck, knocking him to the ground.. The man struggled but was subdued. He was sent to Prince of Wales Hospital with head injuries. The hostage, who suffered eye injuries caused by the thinner, was treated and discharged. Divisional Commander, Tin Sum, Superintendent Jawaid Khan said no other injuries were reported and no money was lost. He said the suspect was carrying a bag which contained another bottle of liquid, also believed to be thinner, two paper cutters, and a 30-centimetre long knife.