Off-duty police officer Kelly Chilton leapt into action when she spotted two suspected bag-snatchers during a night out with friends.

The 28-year-old PC had been trying to catch two female handbag thieves for two weeks and couldn't believe her luck when she spotted the suspects in a Brighton pub.

Kelly was with friends at the Font and Firkin pub in Union Street when she saw the two women walk in.

She had been investigating a spate of handbag and purse snatching, or "dipping".

Two women are suspected of at least three thefts but Kelly had up to then been unsuccessful in tracking them down.

Kelly, who has spent eight years in the police service at Brighton, saw the women making straight for a handbag draped over a post.

She said: "The owner was facing away from her bag at the time. I was about 7ft away when I saw a hand dip into the bag and pull something out.

"It was difficult to see what it was and as the two women left I ran to the owner, who confirmed her purse had been taken."

Kelly and a friend, a former Sussex officer, ran outside and pursued the suspects.

Two women in their 20s were arrested and later released on bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information about bag snatchers should contact 0845 6070999.