A HEROIC Good Samaritan saved the day for a woman after a robber snatched an envelope from her hands containing thousands of pounds in cash as she left a bank.

The 68-year-old had collected £2,500 from the counter at Barclays Bank, Darwen Street, Blackburn.

Police said a grey-haired man grabbed the envelope containing the cash as she left and ran off with it.

Community leaders described the thief as ‘absolutely despicable’.

But a Polish man spotted the robbery and chased the thief down the street, grabbed back the money and returned to the shocked but relieved pensioner from Darwen.

Inspector John Fryer hailed the man as the ‘hero of the hour’ for his prompt and brave actions, a view echoed by Blackburn MP Kate Hollern.

Detectives said they are examining CCTV and conducting forensic tests on the envelope as part of investigations into the incident at around 12.25pm on Saturday.

The thief, described as white, was wearing a grey jumper and was last seen running towards the Zy Bar on Market Street Lane after being challenged by the hero.

Inspector Fryer said: “An elderly lady, 68 years old from Darwen, had just come out of Barclays Bank, Blackburn.

“A man, who may have been in the bank when she withdrew £2,500, snatched the envelope containing the cash before she could put it in her handbag.

“As he ran off down Darwen Street, a brave Polish man passing by gave chase and got the cash back and returned it to the relieved pensioner.

“The elderly lady was obviously very, very shocked by it all.

“The man who got the money back for her really was the hero of the hour and very brave.

“It’s not what you want to happen on a Saturday lunchtime in a town centre.

“Luckily no-one was injured in the cash snatch.

“The lady’s assailant was last seen running off towards the Zy Bar.

“He was described as a white man with grey hair and a bald patch and was wearing a grey jumper.

“Detectives are looking at CCTV, forensic tests are being conducted on the envelope and an interpreter has been arranged to interview the Polish man who saved the day.

“Robbing an elderly lady of her cash as she leaves a bank is an absolutely despicable crime.”

Mrs Hollern said: “This is a despicable crime targeting a vulnerable victim.

“Thank goodness for the brave Good Samaritan who happened to be passing by.

“As the inspector said, he was a hero.”

Tony Duckworth, president of Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said: “Wow. This was a brave action by the passing Polish man.

“I am glad that there are still public-spirited people like this around.

“It was a despicable crime to target a vulnerable elderly lady like this.

"I suspect it is not the first time the offender has done this kind of thing.”

Lancashire Telegraph readers praised the actions of the passer-by.

'Bazzer' said: “I find that the hero of the story being Polish very uplifting. I am glad it has been mentioned.”

'Crankitup' said: “Well done that man. Now catch the low life and beat him with a large stick.”

'Usandthem' said: “What a hero, very well done.”

'JacktheladfromWrexham' said: “Hats off to the Polish guy, he deserves a medal.”

Anyone with information on this incident should call police on 101.

n Were you the 'hero of the hour' or do you know the man who came to woman's rescue? Contact the Lancashire Telegraph on 01254 298205.