A PARISH clerk in wellies and a man with a hip replacement have been praised after helping thwart a street mugging.
The drama unfolded in Atherton Street, Durham, while the city’s parish clerk Adam Shanley was on a walkabout on Wednesday of the area with residents and Durham County Council officers.
Mr Shanley said: “I heard a young woman screaming they’ve stolen my purse and these guys ran up the hill.
“The neighbourhood warden Paul Rutherford immediately ran out and caught one of them.
“Myself and resident Mike Costello ran after the other man and caught him. I got a picture of him but he managed to escape before the police arrived.
“I was wearing wellies at the time and Mr Costello has recently recovered from a hip replacement. One man was arrested and the photograph of his suspected accomplice was handed to the police."
Mr Shanley added: “It was extremely fortunate that we were present at the time of this incident and our neighbourhood warden and the police were absolutely superb. The woman, who was quite shaken by the incident, was delighted to get her purse back.
Mr Costello, said: “While on one of our regular walkabouts of the city with neighbourhood wardens, parish councillors, residents and council officers, the unluckiest mugger in the world snatched a young lady’s purse and ran away towards us.
“Our intimate local knowledge allowed us to chase him and cut off possible escape routes to detain him and identify a possible accomplice.”
Resident Janet George, who witnessed the incident said: “It was a wonderful act of citizenship and heroism. The city’s parish clerk and a fellow local resident sprang into action and gave chase in an instant.
“We are extremely lucky in Durham City as we have many good people happy to help others."
A Durham Police spokesperson said: "We were called at 1.10pm on Wednesday to reports of a theft near Durham Bus Station.
"Officers attended the scene and swiftly arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of theft.
"He has since been interviewed by officers and charged with one count of theft. He was released on bail to attend Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on December 21."
“Having her purse returned must have been an early Christmas present for the young lady and a great beginning to the festive season. Our parish clerk, Mike and our Neighbourhood Warden Paul are nothing short of local heroes.”
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