Good samaritan tackles Brighton handbag thief

A handbag thief was foiled by a quick-thinking passer-by in Brighton last night.

The thief struck just before 8.20pm as a 33-year old local woman was walking down Milner Road, off Lewes Road, on her way to work as a cleaner.

A man came up behind her and snatched her bag.

He ran off but the incident was spotted by a 41-year-old local man who was passing by.

The man chased the thief and grabbed him within yards of the incident, returning the bag to the woman.

Police arrived within minutes and arrested the man.

Detective Inspector Jason Tingley, of Sussex Police, said: “This was a courageous and public-spirited response and I have thanked the good samaritan for his efforts.”

A 21-year-old Brighton man is in custody on suspicion of robbery.