HAVE-A-GO heroines have been caught on camera tackling a fugitive who was being chased by police officers in Worcester.

Police want to trace, and thank the three, whose actions helped officers arrest the man, wanted on a warrant issued by Cheltenham Magistrates Court in September in connection with possessing an offensive weapon and assaulting three police officers.

The man, from Worcester, had been spotted by police officers in the city centre, but ran off. He was being chased by the officers across the River Severn bridge from the city centre towards St John's when the three women stepped in.

A police spokesman said: "The three women did not know each other and were walking over the bridge some distance apart when they each realised, in the space of a few seconds, that a man was being pursued and was heading straight for them along the pavement.

"They had very little time to make up their minds what to do and react.

"Almost acting in unison, they each responded in exactly the same way - they tried to apprehend the man, not knowing whether he was armed or could have injured them.

"Although we have concerns for the consequences of their actions, we fully endorse them and applaud their courage.

"We want to thank the courageous trio through the media, but would also like to do so face-to-face.

"We very much hope they will see the still images from the CCTV footage in the media and come forward to receive their due recognition and thanks.

"If they are too modest to do that, we hope a friend or relative will persuade them to, or contact us themselves and give us their names."

Monitored by new CCTV equipment, officers chased the man along New Street, Nash's Passage, The Shambles, CrownGate, Bull Entry, Deansway and behind Browns restaurant - when: -Heroine one barred his way on the pavement, as he sprinted towards New Road, forcing him into the carriageway.

-Heroine two ran into the road, hit him with her bag and tussled with him.

-Heroine three ran into the road and challenged him.

He then ran across both lanes and was caught and held by a van driver.

Seconds later officers caught up and he was taken away in a police vehicle.

Anyone who knows anything about the women is urged to contact police on 08457 444888, quoting 135S/141206. Police already know the identity of the van driver.