A MAN who confronted and detained a would-be robber has been honoured with a Brave Citizens Award by Cleveland Police’s Chief Constable.

Ian Dryden was shopping with his eight-year-old son at the Parkway Centre in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, when in the car park, an elderly woman who was unloading her shopping was approached by a man on a bike who suddenly snatched her handbag.

Mr Dryden was able to successfully grab hold of the suspect and pull him from the bike, detaining him on the floor until police officers arrived and made the arrest.

The handbag was returned to the victim.

Mr Dryden said: “I was very honoured to receive this award, although it was more important that the vulnerable lady was safe and her handbag recovered.”