Supergran chases away robbers with her purse

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/02/09/northampton-granny-purse-robbery.html



A 71-year-old British woman who pummelled four would-be jewelry thieves with her handbag says she's no hero, but she'd do it again if she had to despite the risk of getting hurt.

Ann Timson, dubbed by many in the media as "Supergran," said Tuesday she was "angry that [the men] felt they could get away with what they were doing in broad daylight."

"I am not a hero and it was maybe foolish of me to get involved, but somebody had to do something," she told the Northampton Chronicle and Echo newspaper.

According to a video of Monday's incident, six alleged robbers pulled up in front of Michael Jones Jewellers in Northampton, northwest of London.

They began smashing the store's windows with sledgehammers, but Timson came swiftly from down the street, wearing a red coat and carrying a large black handbag.

She hit the men repeatedly with her handbag. Bystanders helped to pin down one of the men, who was subsequently arrested. Three others were arrested later; two were able to drive away and have not been found.

Four men, aged 18, 22, 25 and 39, are due to appear in a Northhampton court later Wednesday, the BBC reported. Police have appealed to the public for help in tracking down the two other suspects.

Reports emerged Wednesday that Timson has a bit of a reputation in her town for fighting crime.

Neighbours said she has taken on drug dealing and prostitution in her local housing project, and has been threatened on a number of occasions.



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