A police officer today praised a "young heroine" who chased a robber after he snatched a woman's handbag outside a supermarket.
The unsuspecting woman shopper, 62, left Safeways, in London Road, Hadleigh, via the main exit. She was loading her shopping into the basket of her bike when the youth struck.
He ran past and ripped the bag from her shoulder sending her purse falling to the floor and money scattered all over the pavement.
The fifteen-year-old girl who saw what happened pursued the thief, believed to be in his teens.
But he jumped into a nearby car and escaped.
PC Karen Mihill, of Benfleet police, said: "She was a young heroine who acted instinctively and deserves credit for that. She saw what happened and felt for the lady and did what she thought was right. "
The thief got away with the handbag which contained sentimental items and £50 cash. He is white, aged between 16 and 17 and slim.
He was wearing a blue baseball cap with white trim and trainers.
The vehicle the culprit fled in was a stolen, white Ford Escort.
Published Friday, December 13, 2002
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