Have-a-go hero: 'I feared arrest myself'

Feb 5 2010 By Dan Coombs

A 64 year-old who was injured while trying to stop a theft said that his own fear of being arrested stopped him using force.

Ronald Rebeiro, 64, of Hollywood Gardens, Hayes, was thrown down an escalator in WHSmith's on Thursday in Uxbridge High Street, as he stepped in to try and stop an 81 year old woman being mugged of her handbag.

The woman had been followed by a girl in her early 20s into the Post Office who grabbed her cash from her, causing a melee.

Mr Rebeiro attempted to step in and make a citizen's arrest, but found himself being flung down the escalator and landing up in hospital with head injuries.

Mr Rebeiro, who has since been released from hospital, told the Gazette: "If I wanted to I could have used force and restrained her, but what stopped me was thinking that then I would be the one getting arrested.

"It makes me angry, the situation made me think of the businessman in High Wycombe who was sent to jail for attacking a burglar in his home.

"The location is different, but the essence is still the same, the law is nonsense, it was that which made me hesitate."

Police attended the scene and are studying CCTV and an investigation is underway.

They have issued a description of the suspect, who is a white female, aged 20-22, five foot five and of slim build, with shoulder length dark hair.

She was wearing a black jacket and black trousers and is believed to have been with a female accomplice.

Witnesses should call Sergeant Sam Austin of Uxbridge Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 0208 721 2782.

Do you empathise with Mr Ribeiro? E-mail dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk