A CALLOUS mugger was chased and stopped by a brave neighbour after he attacked a defenceless woman in a shopping street. He targeted the 46-year-old as she was walking up steps leading to flats above shops in Green Lane, Dagenham. He pushed her over from

A CALLOUS mugger was chased and stopped by a brave neighbour after he attacked a defenceless woman in a shopping street.

He targeted the 46-year-old as she was walking up steps leading to flats above shops in Green Lane, Dagenham.

He pushed her over from behind and snatched an envelope, which contained money, from her hand and ran away.

A neighbour then chased him into Burnside Road where the thief got into a van, but the public-spirited helper followed the robber in his own car while dialling 999 and updating the police on the van's whereabouts.

Officers caught the 27-year-old mugger and arrested him in the car park of Tesco in Woodford.

Chief Inspector John Davison said: "I applaud the actions of this courageous member of the public, but I would like to stress that no one should place themselves in danger."

The suspect was taken to Barkingside Police Station. He was arrested and bailed to September 14 pending further enquiries.