A GOOD Samaritan stepped in to stop a female mugger making off with a pensioner's handbag. The mugger struck as the 71-year-old woman returned to her parked car on Mayfield Street, Atherton yesterday afternoon.

He grabbed the bag with such force that the pensioner sprained her wrist.

But as the attacker fled, a man wrenched the bag back.

Police at Leigh are now urging the man to come forward and help them build up a description of the mugger.

A senior detective said: "We would also like to thank him for his bravery. He put himself at risk and the victim is very grateful."

Detectives are linking three muggings within an hour near Leigh town centre yesterday.

They believe the same people may be responsible for attacks on Clifton Street, John Street and Buchanan Street. They are looking for two youths with short hair. One was wearing dark jeans and waterproof jacket and the other was wearing a pink jacket.

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