Hero rushes to aid of elderly robbery victim
A good samaritan came to the aid of an 82-year-old woman after she was targeted by a robber in Walsall.
The man chased after the suspect when the pensioner had her handbag grabbed as she walked along Old Pleck Road.
The victim who tried to fight off the robber was left shaken following the ordeal in what police describe as a 'despicable attack'.
It happened at around 5.45pm on Wednesday after the victim had been the chemist and newsagent to pay for her lottery ticket.
She was followed towards the canal bridge, near to Walsall Manor Hospital, where a man in his mid 20s grabbed her bag.
The 82-year-old refused to let go of the handbag, which contained her keys and other personal belongings, but the strap broke. The robber ran off with the bag towards Prince Street and the canal bridge.
The elderly woman later found her bag at the side of the road, minus her purse.
Detectives have praised people who came to support the elderly victim afterwards and are appealing for the good samaritan to come forward.
Dc Clare Cavanagh, from Walsall CID, said: "This was a despicable attack on an elderly woman."
The attacker was a mixed race male, with very shaven hair and of medium build. He is around 5ft 10in and was wearing a bright blue or turquoise coloured jacket.
Anyone with information can call Walsall CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
