Handbag-wielding grandmother first interview: 'somebody had to do something'

A grandmother who tackled a gang of six jeweller's shop robbers with her handbag has given her first interview, saying she risked her life because "somebody had to do something". 

 

The woman, who did not want to be named, was captured on video beating away the men, who were wearing crash helmets and carrying sledgehammers, as they tried to rob the Northampton store.

She said: "I was standing talking with a woman when I heard a commotion and I looked across and saw six young men on scooters.

"At first I thought one of them was being set upon by three others. What concerned me was that too many people just stood around watching as if they were in shock and nobody was doing anything."

She told the Northampton Chronicle and Echo: "When I got closer to them I realized it was a robbery and then I was even more angry that they felt they could get away with what they were doing in broad daylight.

"One of the gang shot off ... On a scooter and nearly hit a woman and baby in her buggy. I clobbered him with my shopping but he got away." 

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