Police appeal to good Samaritan

Police in Reading want to hear from a good Samaritan who chased down a bag thief to recover a pensioner's stolen handbag.

The teenager was cycling along Queen's Walk on Friday evening when he saw a woman snatch the bag from the shoulder of her 62-year-old victim.

He gave chase, grabbed the handbag back, and returned it to its owner.

Police are keen to trace the teenager, to find out more about the incident and the offender.

This was a very brave and thoughtful act by the boy

Terry Caine, street crimes coordinator

The victim was walking alone at around 2010 BST on Friday when she felt a hard thud on her shoulder and her bag was taken.

She called out for help and the passing teenager stepped in.

The offender was a black woman, 6ft tall and slim, she had short hair and wore a khaki T-shirt and possibly jeans.

Street crimes coordinator Terry Caine has appealed for the teenager, or anyone who knows who he is, to come forward.

He said: "This was a very brave and thoughtful act by the boy. Thanks to his actions, the female victim was able to get her belongings back.

"I am urging him to come forward, in the strictest confidence, so we can find the person responsible for targeting the victim."