Handbag thief chased and stabbed

A thief who stole a handbag from a parked car in Newbury was pursued and stabbed in the leg, police have said.

The bag was snatched from an Audi A6 at Burger King in Greenham Road on Friday.

As the offender ran away a number of people gave chase and cornered him. The man was assaulted and sustained a single knife wound to his leg.

A 17-year-old boy and a 27-year-old man, both from Newbury, have been arrested and bailed by police in connection with the incident.

The teenager was held on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

The older man was held on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said it was not thought any of the people involved knew each other.

He added: "We don't condone anyone being stabbed, even if they were suspected of committing a crime.

"We urge people not to get involved but ring police and try and get a detailed description of anyone who may be involved."

The stabbing victim was treated in hospital and later released.

Police have appealed for witnesses.