Woman fights off bag-snatch thug

A ROBBERY victim turned into a have-a-go hero when she rugby-tackled a thug who snatched her bag.

The brave 25-year-old sprinted after her stocky 5ft 8in attacker who targeted her after she had been to the gym in Chadderton.

She wrestled with him and jumped on his back before a passer-by came to her aid on Brook Street near Asda.

A man grabbed her shoulder and tried to snatch her bag — but she fought back and held on to it with both hands. She then screamed before the straps snapped in the struggle. He then fled.

The robber’s T-shirt was ripped as she tried to stop him getting away before chasing him along Granville Street. The woman sprained her ankle in the struggle but managed to track him as far as Amberley Walk.

Detective Constable Natalie Sykes said: “There is no doubt this robber got more than he bargained for when he picked on this determined woman.

“While her remarkable bravery stopped him from getting away with her bag, we would not recommend anyone does likewise if faced with a similar situation.”

Police are continuing to appeal for information from the public following the incident on October 12.

The man they are hunting is Asian, in his late 20s to early 30s. He wore a black leather jacket, a red and white T-shirt with a white vest underneath.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161-856 9042 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.