Would-be handbag robber foiled by 74-year-old woman in Portsmouth shopping street

A MAN who tried to rob a pensioner of her handbag ran off empty-handed when she would not let it go.
By Tom Morton
Published 20th Jun 2020, 15:01 BST
Updated 20th Jun 2020, 15:08 BST
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The 74-year was in London Road in North End, between Stubbington Avenue and Derby Road, when she was approached by a man who tried to grab her bag.

The woman kept hold of it and the man gave up and then ran off south towards the high street.

It happened between 10am and 11am on Tuesday.

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London Road in North End Picture: GoogleLondon Road in North End Picture: Google
London Road in North End Picture: Google

A police spokeswoman said: ‘This was understandably a very frightening ordeal for the lady who was targeted.’

Officers were sent to North End and looked for the culprit.

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Then on Friday they arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of robbery in connection with this incident. He has been released from custody but remains under investigation.

The spokeswoman added: ‘Our enquiries are ongoing. We know that there was a number of people in the area at the time this incident happened. Did you see what happened? Can you help us identify the man responsible?’

Anyone who can help can call 101 and quote 44200217252.