A HEROIC passer-by chased a bag-snatching thief who tried to run off with an elderly lady's handbag.

The lady was walking to the polling station at Abbey Park School in Pershore when a youth in a grey hooded top grabbed her bag.

As the thief ran off the lady shouted "He's got my bag," at which point a young man in a yellow T-shirt gave chase.

The thief dropped the handbag before scaling a fence to escape and headed off towards the direction of Betjamin Close.

The handbag with all its contents was returned to the lady.

Police are now keen to speak to the man who chased the thief during the incident shortly before 2pm on Thursday, May 1.

"I would very much like to speak the witness in the yellow T-shirt who very kindly helped this lady," said PC Bernie Thomas.

"He may have some information that will help us catch this thief before he tries something like this again.

"I am appealing to this man or anyone who witnessed this crime to contact me on 08457 444888."

Alternatively information can be given in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.