A THIEF met his match in Oakwood last week when an elderly woman apprehended him while being chased around the neighbourhood by the police.

Betty Back, aged 77, of Linnett Grove, grabbed hold of the fleeing offender and pushed him over as he tried to use the pensioner's bike as a means of escape.

The plucky Oakwood gran told the Guardian how she 'hung on to the bike for grim death' which slowed the thief down and helped the pursuing officers to apprehend him.

Police told Mrs Back that the offender was wanted in connection with numerous offences and would also be charged with the attempted theft of her bike.

Betty said: "I was about to go out shopping when I turned round to see my bike disappearing from my back garden. It took me just two seconds to rush over and my adrenalin was really flowing.

"The criminal, who was around 20 years-old, must have thought it was his birthday but I decided there was no way a thief was going to escape with another of my bikes after having two stolen in the past couple of years.

"Criminals who think they can take advantage of elderly or disadvantaged people won't intimidate me. I'm pleased I could help the police."

The police were unavailable for comment as the Guardian went to press.