A have-a-go hero who recovered a hand-bag after cornering the thief, has told the Guardian about the dramatic chase through the streets of Croydon last week.

Robert Ratcliffe, 27, a plumber from South Croydon, chased the bag-snatcher through the streets and a crowded pub, before managing to recover the stolen handbag with contents intact.

The victim, a 24-year-old project manager, was walking through an alley way between West Street and Meadow Stile in Croydon, just after 9pm on Friday, November 9, when the attack occurred.

The suspect demanded her wallet after grabbing her round the neck. When she resisted, he threw her to the ground before stealing her handbag and running off.

Mr Ratcliffe was on his way for a drink with two friends when he heard the victim's screams.

He said: "She was crying and saying He's got my bag!' I caught a glimpse of this bloke at the end of the road, so we started after him."

The suspect was chased through Lower Coombe Street to Southbridge Place, where he ran through the Little Cricketers pub in a vain attempt to escape. But Mr Ratcliffe, a keen footballer, was determined to continue to pursuit, even though his friends had given up.

He said: "As I came out of the pub I saw him in the distance. I didn't give up the chase because I didn't want him to get away with it."

He pursued him to the Waldrons where he cornered the thief in a lift.

"I stuck my foot in the lift door and this big guy said it was his girlfriend's hand-bag and she owed him money. I grabbed him around the neck with my elbow and grabbed the bag, before stepping away from the lift.

"I think he was more afraid than I was. I was more concerned with getting the bag back for the lady than my own safety."

Having recovered the bag, he returned it to the grateful victim.

He added: "She was really pleased and her boyfriend took us for a drink to say thank you."

Anyone with information should call PC McEwen on 020 8649 1362.

November 21, 2001 15:00