A distraught woman who was attacked and had her handbag snatched on Clacton seafront has appealed for her have-a-go hero rescuer to come forward.

The 28-year-old, who is so traumatised by the daylight raid that she does not want to be identified, wants to thank the man for saving her from an even worse ordeal.

Her brother said that the attacker had been waiting in bushes just past Clacton Pier and leapt out on his sister at about 3.30pm on Monday.

"She was grabbed from behind and the attacker wrenched the handbag away from her. It contained £160 in cash and other belongings," he said.

"Suddenly another man, who was wearing black bottoms and a blue top with the words Great Bentley Joggers on it, and who was jogging, took off after the thief and fought with him to get the handbag back.

"I think he ripped the assailant's coat in the struggle but managed to get the bag off him."

The man escaped and the jogger returned the handbag to the woman. Her brother said that his sister was upset and shaken by what had happened.

"However, had it not been for the jogger coming to her aid I dread to think what might have happened," he added.

"We are just so grateful to him for getting involved and helping her."

If you were the jogger please contact 01255 254214

Published Wednesday, February 20, 2002