‘I started whacking the lads with my shopping bag’

Ann Timson, who is in her seventies and is retired, issued a statement through police in Northampton who are investigating the attempted armed robbery.

Former market trader Ann said she had at first thought someone was being beaten up, when she saw three men follow another man into a shop doorway: “My mother’s instinct kicked in and I ran across the road shouting at the lads to stop it. Only then did I realise that they were smashing glass and that it was a raid.”

Mrs Timson said she was surprised by the lack of assistance from the people watching what was happening but by then she was too involved to stop: “By now I was in full flight and I started whacking the lads over the head with my shopping bag. Passers-by didn’t come to my assistance to begin with. They all seemed mesmerised.”

The Deputy Chief Constable of Northampton Police, Suzette Davenport, said the force was grateful but wanted to issue a warning as well. She said: “I have met today with Ann and thanked her for what she did. She demonstrated true community spirit in wanting to help others but we should acknowledge that this did involve a clear element of risk.”

For Ann however, there is no doubt that she did the right thing. She said: “I know I put myself in danger but I would probably do the same again. My black shopping bag is having a rest today, to give it time to recover from its bruises.”