A RETIRED Bolton man jumped from a moving Paris underground train and fell fighting down a flight of steps to collar a thief who had stolen his wallet.

Now Denis Ince, who emerged with a bloody nose, cut leg and severely bruised arm, is warning tourists to beware of travelling on public transport abroad - particularly during the rush hours.

The theft happened on the first day of a trip to Paris with his wife, Barbara, and a party of her fellow French students from Bolton College.

He, his wife, and her friend Margaret Brabbin, had been to Sacre Coeur and were returning - separate from the remainder of the travelling group - by Metro at about 5.30pm on a Friday evening.

Caught in the busy rush hour, they split up on the underground train and found themselves squashed in a confined standing room only space.

Mr Ince, who retired early as a psychologist two years ago, said: "The train pulled up at the station and the man standing next to me remained standing. But then, just before the door closed, he jumped out.

"I am well aware of human behaviour and thought this was odd. He was behaving as pickpockets do. I felt into my pocket and realised my wallet had gone.

"Instinctively I thought I cannot let him get away with this. Before I realised what I was doing I pulled open the doors and leapt out of the train which had just set off.

"I am sure he thought he had got away with it and had walked along the platform, onto the stone steps which were leading out. I grabbed him by the collar and shouted out 'Voleur' - which is one of the only French words I remember and fortunately means thief.

"We then struggled and he swung a fist at me."

However, the shirt Mr Ince was holding onto then ripped and both men tumbled down the stone station steps, still fighting.

He said: "I landed on top of him, but he was younger than me, about 37-years-old, and got up first, and was able to run off."

Passing French people ran to Mr Ince's aid. He said: "They were very helpful.

"I hadn't realised it, but my nose was busted and bleeding profusely."

Fortunately, the thief was seen throwing Mr Ince's wallet to one side at the start of the tussle and although the crook escaped, the stolen property was returned.

Mr Ince said: "It all happened within seconds. I didn't have time to think about what I was doing. I never thought I would have reacted in such a way and would never advise anybody to do what I did. Fortunately, I wasn't badly hurt, but bearing in mind the wallet was insured, I do not think I would do the same again.

"I would warn other holidaymakers though to steer clear of public transport while on holiday, especially during rush hour times. The police in France told us they thought the thief had probably spotted us before we got on the train and that we were sitting ducks."

Mr Ince was treated by a doctor in his hotel, but emerged bruised but not badly injured. He said: "At least I know that the thief will have suffered injuries having had a 17-stone man fall down the steps on him.

"Maybe he'll think twice next time."

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