Woman attacked for her bag in Southend (From Echo)

Hero to the rescue of woman mugged in Southend street

7:00am Thursday 9th August 2012 in Local News By Laura Smith

A HAVE a go hero raced to the aid of a woman being viciously attacked by a gang of robbers in Southend.

The 42-year-old victim was walking along Gordon Place, near Southend High Street , when three thugs tried to snatch her handbag.

She suffered a head injury as she tried to resist them, before a brave passer-by stepped in and scared them off.

The drama kicked off at about 1.30pm on Tuesday and the area was soon flooded with police cars, as officers ran through the streets in search of the suspects. They brought a police dog, who could be seen searching Gordon Road and nearby Gordon Place for evidence.

Within 45 minutes, officers had arrested three 17-year-old boys, from London, on suspicion of robbery. A passer-by, who would not be named, said: “I saw a guy run down the middle of the road. About three or four minutes later he came back down the street again and was arrested.

“The police dog was going in and out of the front gardens, and he was obviously trying to get a scent.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “She was approached by three young men who tried to steal her handbag.

“She resisted and was then approached by a passer-by who helped scare off the thieves.”

The woman was seen by paramedics after her ordeal. Fortunately, her injury was only minor and she did not need hospital treatment.

Police will speak to her later today to take a full statement.

A spokesman said the three suspects were all from the Croydon and Peckham areas. They were taken to Southend police station. Anyone with information should call Southend police station on 101.