Hunt for robber and good Samaritan who stopped him after couple targeted in broad daylight

The victims, a husband and wife in their 60s, went into Whatley’s newsagent in St Ives next to the Co-Operative in Constable Road at about 11.20am on Sunday, February 21, to buy a newspaper.

As they left, they stopped at the cash machine to draw out some money, which was then placed in the male victim’s wallet in his trouser pocket.

They then headed home, walking along a footpath that runs between hedges to the right of the Co-operative, when they noticed a man walking closely behind them.

The man approached the couple and tried to put his hands in the husband’s pockets, however a scuffle took place, with the victim ending up on the floor.

The offender was unsuccessful in obtaining the wallet so then tried to get hold of the wife’s handbag, and was eventually successful before making off down the footpath, with the male victim chasing him.

A nearby member of the public heard the commotion and came to help, managing to stop the offender, who eventually gave back the handbag, but made off again.

DC Tony Harlow said: “The offender is described as white, in his mid-20s, between 5’ 9” and 5’ 10”, stocky with brushy brown eyebrows and brown eyes. He was wearing a bright sky-blue windcheater, dark jeans and a grey scarf, possibly with a white chequered pattern on it.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may know who carried out this attack, to contact police.

“I would also appeal for the good Samaritan who came to the couple’s aid to contact us, as unfortunately the telephone number we were given is one digit short.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.