A coastal commuter has today described how she chased a thief who snatched her handbag.

Janice Free was waiting for her Clacton-bound train to leave Colchester North Station when Gary Collins grabbed her bag and ran off.

The 59-year-old insurance administrator gave chase - and was so angry she kicked the assailant after he was floored by guards.

Mrs Free, who commutes from Clacton to London every day, said: "I had my arm wrapped round the bag then suddenly I felt a tug.

"I thought the person wanted to sit next to me. He then tried to tug it and I put up a fight but was not strong enough to stop him.

"He ran off the train and I ran off behind him like a maniac shouting 'stop him he's pinched my bag'.

"Nobody was taking any notice then suddenly two guards pinned him to the ground then I kicked him and swore at him."

Collins, 41, from Gresley Close, Mile End, was jailed at Colchester Magistrates' Court for 12 weeks after admitting theft.