Fareham women aged 74 and 68 who saved man from vicious attack get police bravery award

Police say Patricia Hatherley, 74, and Linda Yorke, 68, from Fareham, displayed immense courage last year when they intervened an attack that could have been fatal.

A 66-year-old man was being viciously beaten by a 34-year old man with a steering lock in Wagtail Way in Fareham on August 27.

After witnessing the brutality, the women ran over to help the victim who was on the floor and tackled the attacker who was still hitting the elderly man.

Without thinking about their own safety, the pair eventually managed to pull him off and he fled the scene.

Both women believed that due to the level of violence the victim could have been killed.

Hampshire Police said that had they not intervened, this could have very well have been the case.

The women were also able to identify the attacker, who was arrested and charged.

He pleaded guilty and is due to be sentenced later this month.

The brave women have received a Hampshire Chief Constable Commendation for outstanding bravery when faced with a serious assault and subsequently identifying the attacker who was intent on causing serious life threatening harm to the victim.