Brave man saves woman from knifepoint robbery

Dec 24 2009 By Tara Brady

THE search is on to trace a man who has been dubbed a hero for bravely stopping a woman from being robbed at knifepoint by giving her attacker money.

Police are appealing for the good Samaritan to come forward so they can thank him personally for potentially saving the young woman's life.
They also hope he will be able to provide more information about the armed robber to help with the investigation and to stop him from attacking again.

The incident happened on Monday, December 14 at about 7.45pm.

A woman in her 30s was walking from Huddlestone Road into Balmoral Road, Willesden, when a man ran up behind her and tried to grab her handbag.

While she put up a struggle he threatened her with a knife demanding money.

It was at this point the brave passer-by shouted at the man to leave her alone and stepped in to protect the lone female.

He then handed over a sum of cash from his own wallet to make the robber go away and stayed with woman while she called her husband. Unfortunately neither the woman or police know who the brave man was.

Detective Inspector Reeves, from Brent Priority Crime Unit, said: "I want to thank this man for what he did to protect another person from being robbed. I would like to be able to speak to him in person and so I am asking him to call police.

"It may also turn out that he has information that is important to this investigation and we would like to speak to him as soon as possible.”

The brave passer by is a black man aged between 25 and 30-years-old and is believed to be tall, about 6ft, slim and speaks with a London accent. He may have been walking from Windsor Road towards Balmoral Road when he noticed the assault.

Detective Sergeant Ilona Hayes, of Brent Priority Crime Unit, said: "This good Samaritan may have information that is important in identifying the suspect for this robbery and stopping them committing any further crimes in our local area."

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the attack and another robbery in the Willesden area. He is in custody at a north London police station.

Anyone with any information are asked to contact the Brent Priority Crime Unit in confidence on 07917 067 281 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.