GOOD SAMARITANS who rushed to the aid of a pensioner when a “deplorable” thug tried to snatch her handbag in Dundee city centre have been praised by police.
Officers started a manhunt after he left the 72-year-old from Fife with a leg injury and in distress after he struck on Saturday afternoon in the Cowgate area of the city.
The man is also believed to have stolen money from a 37-year-old woman in nearby Candle Lane less than an hour earlier.
The police said both victims had been visiting Dundee and that the incidents were “unusual, but concerning”.
Chief Inspector Cathy McDonald said: “It is pretty deplorable that two visitors to the city on the same day are exposed to this sort of aggression.
“This is unusual but concerning and we are doing all we can to get the person responsible.
“Members of the public have intervened in the incident with the elderly lady. The male and female saw what happened and yelled at the guy and he ran off. They have probably saved her from a more serious attack.
“They took care of her and handed her over to the care of some shop assistants. We are looking for the couple who intervened to come forward.”
The pensioner twisted her leg during the attempted robbery, which happened between 4.30pm and 5pm on Saturday, when the man approached her from behind.
In the other incident, the 37-year-old, who was staying at a city centre hotel, was robbed at 4pm at Candle Lane near its junction with Allan Lane.
The man demanded that she hand over money to him and he made off with a small quantity of cash.
Police said the woman was left “shaken and distressed”.
The man involved in both incidents is said to be approximately 5ft 5in and was wearing dark clothing.
In the robbery, he is described as 25 to 30 years old and was wearing a black tammy and black fleece.
The man in the bag snatch incident is described as 19 to 20 years old, wearing a dark top, which was hooded or was possibly a balaclava. Despite the discrepancy in age, it is understood that police are hunting one suspect.
Ms McDonald said: “We are keeping an open mind, but it would be wrong not to look at the incidents in conjunction with each other as it isn’t something that happens every day. The timings are close together, in the same area of the town, and the height described is the same.
“We would also encourage people to take simple crime prevention advice and if they are concerned to approach any police officer.”
Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and will continue door-to-door inquiries today.
Anyone who witnessed either incident or who has any information can contact the police on 0300 111 2222.
gogston@thecourier.co.uk