Have-a-go hero Sylvia Seago yesterday picked up a prestigious commendation from Havering Police for her bravery in tackling two pickpockets in Romford last year.

The 28-year-old care assistant from Harold Hill received the award at a special ceremony in Chigwell to honour people who have helped the police in fighting crime.

Reliving the incident, Miss Seago told the Gazette: "It was nothing really. I was in C&A in the town centre when I saw a kerfuffle between an elderly lady and a younger lady.

''The elderly one was shouting: "My purse, my purse!"

"I saw the younger one running away with a 12-year-old, so I ran after them both, down the escalators and out of the shop. I was wearing slip-on shoes and a wrap skirt, so I was trying all the time to keep my shoes on and my skirt together!"

Miss Seago eventually caught the pair, who she says were of Eastern European origin, in the market place.

She made a citizens arrest before taking them back to C&A, where the police were called. The mum of three added: "The way I see it is that if it was my nan, I'd want somebody to help her.

"The woman who had her purse snatched was somebody's nan so I just did what I did without really thinking about it."

Det Chf Insp Tony Southern of Romford CID siad: ''Ms Seago showed great presence of mind and personal courage in apprehending these people. It is to her credit she managed to do so without having to resort to significant force and without provoking a violent reaction.

''The woman was subsequently charged and convicted of attempted theft.''

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