A GRANDMOTHER is today looking to thank the good Samaritan who stopped a purse thief in his tracks.

A GRANDMOTHER is today looking to thank the good Samaritan who stopped a purse thief in his tracks.

The 48-year-old woman was standing outside Topshop in the Tower Ramparts shopping centre with her grandchildren when a cheeky thief grabbed her purse from her hand and ran off.

The victim, who does not wished to be named, immediately gave chase and was shouting at people to stop him.

A few members of the public tried to block his route but when that did not work, one young man stuck his foot out and the thief went flying, causing the purse to fall out of his hand.

He picked himself up and despite having lost a trainer in the fall, continued running.

The victim said: “It was just instinct to chase him. I was screaming and my daughter came out of the shop and started running too.

“This guy who was about 19 or 20 put his foot out and my purse went one way and he went another. I went to get my purse and he ran off.

“It happened so quickly and was really quite scary. I couldn't believe he had the cheek just to take it out of my hand.”

She was grateful to get back her purse, which contained some cash, all her cards and photographs of her grandchildren.

She added: “After it happened, we were in shock but said a quick thanks to the man who had helped. I wanted to say thanks properly. He was very brave.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened at about 1.20pm on August 26.

The thief was described as being of Chinese appearance, tall, in his mid 20s, with black short spiky hair, wearing a black t-shirt and dark bottoms, running towards the exit of Tower Ramparts onto Tavern Street with the purse in his hand.

A Suffolk Police spokeswoman said: “Police would like to thank these public-spirited individuals and also need to speak to them as they may have information about the incident and the offender that can help enquiries.”

If you can help please call Pc Butler at Ipswich Police on 01473 613500.

Do you know the mystery man who helped? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.