KNIFE THUG IN BAG ATTACK (From Warrington Guardian)

KNIFE THUG IN BAG ATTACK

A KNIFE wielding thief slashed a woman's handbag in a Northwich shop and escaped with a purse full of cash, prompting a dramatic chase through the town centre.

Security staff, police and a sniffer dog pursued the thief to the Weaver Navigation, where they lost him in undergrowth off Baron's Quay.

The incident started in Bon March, on Market Street, at 11am on Wednesday last week.

Jenny Langhorn, assistant manager of the store, said she had seen the man just before the incident when he knocked some sales items onto the floor and recognised his description when the victim, who had lost £125 cash, her driving licence and house keys, explained what had happened.

The 19-year-old, who has been acting manager for a month, said: "She was shocked and upset but wasn't bothered about the money - she just wanted her belongings back."

She added: "She showed me the bag where it had been slashed - it was a carpet bag and she'd had her arm over the zip but there was a massive gash down the side.

"This is the first time something like this has happened to me.

"I was really shaken up and felt like crying - and if I felt like that what did she feel like?

"I said to my friends and family that I just wish I could've done more, but they said that if I had done he could have stabbed me or someone else trying to get away."

Police described the man as Asian, aged between 30 and 35, 5ft 3in, of slim build and wearing cream cargo pants and a light coloured shirt with dark stripes.

Anyone with any information should ring the Northwich CAT team on 0845 458 6392.