A British grandmother who “clobbered” a gang of sledgehammer-wielding jewel thieves with her handbag credited her “mother’s instinct” for spurring her into action, media reported on Wednesday.
Ann Timson (71) was captured on video hitting three of the six helmet-clad robbers, causing one to fall off his moped as he tried to make his escape during the botched raid in Northampton, central England.
“I saw a kid run up to the doorway of the jeweller,” Timson explained. “Three lads followed him and when I saw their arms going, I thought the kid was being beaten up.
“My mother’s instinct kicked in and I ran across the road shouting at the lads to stop it.
“As I got closer I saw it was a robbery, and then I was even more angry,” the former market trader added. “One of the gang shot off … I clobbered him with my shopping.
“I landed several blows against one lad … and brought him to the ground.
“He raised a hammer to me so I kept hitting out. It seemed to be over in seconds.”
Four men have been charged in connection with the crime. — Sapa-AFP