A YOUNG woman who fought back when a robber tried to steal her handbag has issued a heartfelt thanks to an anonymous couple who came to her rescue.

A YOUNG woman who fought back when a robber tried to steal her handbag has issued a heartfelt thanks to an anonymous couple who came to her rescue.

Catherine Watson, 23, was walking along Ambury Road in Huntingdon at 9.30pm on Monday, September 27 when she was approached from behind by a man.

She had been making her way home from Huntingdonshire Regional College where she was attending an evening class in Polish.

The man grabbed her handbag but Catherine refused to let go and he ran off.

Describing what happened she said: “It’s all a bit blurry but I remember I was walking in the direction of the town centre and I felt a presence behind me. I then felt a hand on my shoulder or back.

“I turned around and the man pulled my bag but I managed to keep hold of it.

“I wasn’t brave I just acted on instinct. I didn’t want him to have my bag so I didn’t let go.

“He said let go, just let go and I told him to get off.

“If he had been bigger or armed I probably would have let go.”

She described the robber as young and skinny and said her arms still ached from where she had been struggling to keep hold of the bag.

Catherine only moved to Huntingdon a week ago and said the incident had changed her perception of how safe she feels in the town.

“I was shocked and surprised by what happened” she said. “I would not have expected this. It seemed like quite a safe area.”

Catherine believes the robber only fled after a man and a woman pulled up in a car to see if she was okay.

“He must have seen the car” she said. “If it had not been for the couple I think it could have been a lot worse.

“I’m really thankful that they turned up when they did or he could have become violent.

“They appeared just at the right moment.

“I didn’t even get their names as I was so shaken but I would like to say a huge thank you to them.”

The couple drove around to see if they could see the man and also gave Catherine a lift home.

Police are trying to trace them as they believe they may be able to help with the investigation.

DC Kirsten Kitchen said: “I would like to trace the young couple who stopped to help the victim as they may hold vital information.

“If it was you, or if you know the couple, then please call police.”

INFORMATION: Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Kitchen on 0345 4564564 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.