Pensioner fights thieves (From Gazette Series)

Pensioner fights thieves

AN ELDERLY woman fought off thieves who tried to steal her handbag in broad daylight in Dursley town centre.

The 81-year-old woman was shopping in Parsonage when she felt someone grab her handbag.

The victim then seized the would-be thief to try to stop her stealing the bag. It is believed three people - two women and a man - may have been involved in the attack.

They ran off and two members of public, who had witnessed the incident, gave chase.

During the chase a bag, believed to be the property of one of the would-be thieves, was dropped.

Sgt Neil Gibbs praised the pensioner for her courage.

"The lady was very brave to try to fight off the thieves," he added. "We do have a bag and are carrying out further inquiries in Birmingham in relation to its contents."

Police are keen to speak to anybody who may have seen the incident. The offenders are described as being Mediterranean in appearance, and it is believed the two women could possibly be sisters.

Sgt Gibbs added: "The victim was shaken up by the incident and is now recovering at home."

Anyone with any information about the incident around 12.30pm on Thursday, February 5, is asked to call police in Dursley on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.