A good Samaritan has been praised for intervening when he saw a man trying to steal an elderly woman’s handbag.

Police were called shortly before 4.35pm on Monday to Salters Lane, in the Haughton Le Skerne area of Darlington, after a man tried to steal the woman’s personal possession.  

A witness who saw what was happening is believed to have intervened, which resulted in the suspect dropping the handbag before he fled the scene empty-handed.

Officers arrested a 32-year-old man later that evening in connection with the incident and he remains in police custody.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Northern Echo: Police were called shortly before 4.35pm to Salters Lane, in the Haughton Le Skerne area of DarlingtonPolice were called shortly before 4.35pm to Salters Lane, in the Haughton Le Skerne area of Darlington

A statement from Durham police added: “We want to thank the member of the public who bravely stepped in and prevented the suspect from stealing the woman’s handbag.

“Anyone with any information that could help is asked to contact DC Timmiss at Darlington CID on 101, extension number 202832.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054