Lancaster cycle path chase after handbag theft

Police were called to the supermarket on Ovangle Road, Lancaster at around 8.30pm yesterday (June 27).

It is believed a woman in her 60s left her handbag in the boot of her car as she went to take her trolley back to the store.

Witnesses reported seeing a man taking the bag from the car boot and tugging the handbag with the owner before running off towards the cycle track.

Colm McNutt was on a shopping trip, visiting the area with his partner when he seen a man arguing with a woman over a handbag.

Mr McNutt, 27, said: “I heard a woman shouting. A man was pulling a handbag away from a woman and he ran towards the petrol pumps. I got in my pickup truck to go after him, there were already men running after the guy.

“I caught up with him through the traffic lights and I got him just outside of AXA Insurance, on Ovangle Road.

“He was trying to make a break for it, there was a bit of a struggle and got away, heading towards Morecambe on the cycle track.

“My issue was the cycle track is a bit isolated and I didn’t know if he had a knife or anything. I didn’t think of the woman at the time, I just went after the chap, but she was shaken up.”

Another couple who witnessed the theft caught up with the man and detained him until police arrived. Police are now appealing for information following the alleged robbery.

The handbag was recovered but when officers attended the store the owner of the bag had left the scene. Police are keen to speak to this person and are asking her to contact officers on 101 quoting log reference 1424 of June 27.

The man was later arrested on suspicion of robbery and is currently in custody.