AN off duty police sergeant is reported to have chased and apprehended a suspected bag snatcher in Ledbury town centre.

Gloucestershire business man, Matthew Bull of Newent arranged to meet up with friend Brett Williams, a sergeant with West Midlands police, who lives in Malvern, and they decided Ledbury was a good mid-way spot place for a coffee.

Mr Bull said; "A man grabbed the rucksack of an elderly lady, near to the Market House. He was swinging her round and she was screaming for help.

"We chased the suspect up Church Street, into the cul-de-sac of St Michael's flats."

Mr Bull said that members of the public, hearing the woman's screams, had already stopped the suspect by the time he and Sergeant Williams caught up with him.

Mr Bull said; "They tried to grapple with the man, but he ran back towards us and Brett tackled him to the floor.

"We then got the bag off him and returned it to the lady."

Mr Bull has nothing but praise for Ledbury's community spirit.

He said: "Lots of people came to the lady's assistance. It was really good to see good community spirit and people who are willing to help each other."

Mr Bull also praised the local police, who were quickly on the scene.

"There's clearly a good police force in Ledbury," he said.

The lady who had her bag snatched was unhurt.

Mr Bull said: "She had recently lost her husband and was feeling vulnerable, but she didn't feel she was the victim so much. After the bag was returned to her, she was full of beans, with a positive story to tell her friends."

The incident was reported to have happened around 2.10pm on Wednesday, November 1.

The Reporter understands that the suspect was arrested and taken to Hereford.

However, West Mercia Police has yet to confirm any details.