Hero Brian, second right, with workmates, l-r, Paul Johnstone, Jim Gray and manager Craig Wallace.
A Motherwell postman is the toast of the Royal Mail after he caught a mugger who had grabbed an old woman’s handbag.
Brian O’Neill didn’t think twice when he saw the robber race away from the underpass in Merry Street.
Despite carrying his sack of mail and a bundle of letters, he pursued the man and, with the help of a passing workman, caught him 100 yards down the road.
The 86-year-old victim suffered what police described as a minor head wound when she was pushed to the ground around 9.30 last Wednesday morning.
Royal Mail spokeswoman Ronit Wolfson praised Brian’s actions, saying: “Our hardworking postmen and women are out in the community six days a week and do so much more than just deliver the mail.
“In this case Brian has gone well above and beyond the call of duty! We commend him for his bravery and are pleased that he managed to help both the customer and the police.”
A 23-year-old man was remanded in custody after he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court in connection with the robbery.
More on this story in this week’s Motherwell Times, out on Wednesday.