Plucky attempt to catch thief

Fellow pursuers and police have whip-round to replace stolen cash

The Uxbridge Gazette Series AN 80-YEAR-OLD man set off in hot pursuit when his bag was snatched after a visit to the bank.

The plucky pensioner was so determined to get his bag back that he continued to chase the suspect until he tripped, suffering injuries that required medical aid.

A number of other people continued to chase the man as he ran down Central Way, Northwood, into Hallowell Road and then Chester Road, where he was stopped.

But he managed to break free and got away, running towards High Street.

Detectives from Hillingdon are appealing for information and witnesses to the incident, which began in Green Lane at about 11.25am on Friday, August 29.

The victim’s bag was found later but the £160 that it had contained was gone.

However, straight after the attack, police officers, local businesses and residents held a collection and successfully raised £160 to replace the man’s lost money. He has not been named.

The suspect is described as being 18 to 25 years old, about 5ft 10in tall, of thin build with short, light hair, and wearing a black top with a grey hood.

A Hillingdon Police spokesman said: “This was a frightening experience for an elderly man who is still in pain following his discharge from the hospital.

“I appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, who may have heard or seen anything, to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Hillingdon Serious and Acquisitive Crime Unit on 020 8246 9348 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.