A ROBBER who pushed a woman to the ground and tried to steal her purse was chased down by a pair of have-a-go heroes. 

At 7.45am this morning a 67-year-old woman  withdrew money from a cash machine outside Tesco Express in St James's Street, Brighton.

A man pushed her to the ground and tried to steal her purse but ran off empty handed towards the Old Steine.

Two passers-by stepped in and detained the man until the police arrived.

The first was a black male and was wearing a dark deer stalker style hat with white or cream fur lining. He was also wearing a black and white scarf.

The second was a white male and was wearing a dark beanie hat, light thigh length coat and a black rucksack.

Police believe he may have been on a cycle but this is not confirmed.

A 33-year-old man, from Brighton, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and remains in custody 

DS Chris Lane from Brighton and Hove CID said: "The two members of public that detained the suspect did a fantastic job, but did not provide their details to police and we urgently need to speak to them and any other witnesses to the incident."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference 0304 14/02/16.