A woman has told how a have-a-go hero selflessly chased and caught two thieves after they snatched her handbag.

Vicki Robbins was walking home from work at about 6.30pm on Sunday near the Old Steine in central Brighton.

As she chatted to her sister on her mobile phone, two youths grabbed her handbag and ran off towards Pool Valley.

As the shocked 28-year-old began shouting for help, a mystery hero ran after the thieves and stopped them, before handing the bag back to Vicki.

Police were called about a similar incident in North Street, which happened about 15 minutes later. Police later arrested two 16-year-old youths. They are now trying to trace the man as a key witness.

Vicki, who lives in Kemptown, Brighton, said: "I was on the phone and about to have a nice walk along the seafront when these two lads came up and grabbed my bag. It was so sudden and unexpected.

"You think that in that situation you would do something but I was just frozen to the spot, I was so shocked. I just started screaming that they had stolen my bag and I could see them disappearing down the road.

"Then a man came out of nowhere and went sprinting after them. I called the police and followed them, and when I got into Pool Valley he had the bag. I still had the police on the phone and was also trying to thank him, but when I had finished the call he was gone.

"It's such a shame because I didn't get a chance to say thank you properly. Something like this just restores your faith in people."

The handbag, which Vicki described as of great sentimental value, also contained her purse and Filofax. The heroic stranger is described as black, about 6ft tall, and of stocky build. He was wearing a black coat and possibly a hat.

Detective Constable Fleur Jones, from Brighton CID, said: "No details were taken from this man so we do not know how to find him.

"The member of public who got the first bag back would be an excellent witness for us and could help clarify some points."

If you are the hero, or know him, call Brighton CID on 0845 6070999 or The Argus on 01273 544543.