Horrific moment woman who refused to let go of handbag is dragged down Streatham road by moped thieves

Mark Chandler12 June 2017
WEST END FINAL

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This is the horrific moment a woman who refused to let go of her handbag is dragged down the street by moped thieves.

The video, released by police, shows the woman in her 30s being pulled down Hassocks Road in Streatham for yards as the rider speeds off.

Her legs appear to scrape across the tarmac as the bikers try to make their getaway.

Merton Police said the moped dragged her past around 30 houses before the ordeal was over.

According to officers the moped, which had two men on it, first drove past the woman.

The woman was dragged while refusing to hand her bag over to thieves

It then circled back before the thieves grabbed hold of her bag.

When she desperately tried to cling on to it, she was dragged along the road, managing to keep hold of her bag before they gave up.

The woman managed to escape from the incident with just cuts and bruises.

Police are now appealing for information on the incident, which took place on May 15 at around 4.40pm.

A spokesman said: “On the 15th of May, a lone female was walking along Hassocks Road, at 4.40pm when a moped with two riders rode past her.

“Circling back, the two attempted to steal the females purse by grabbing her bag. She refused to relinquish the bag and was unfortunately dragged along the road.

“She received injuries as a result of the dragging and the suspects did not steal anything in this attempt.”

The footage was published by police amid a surge in moped crime around the capital.

Shocked followers slammed the latest shocking incident after it was posted on Facebook by Merton Police.

One wrote: “The police force is stretched now but even if they were fully staffed they would not be every corner. I hope the lady wasn't severely injured.

“Can't believe this ilk of people exist,” wrote another.

But another warned: "Ladies no handbag/purse/phone etc is worth your life or substantial injury.

"Look after yourself, material possessions can be replaced but you only have one life."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.

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