A BRAVE woman from Leigh tackled a thief as he cycled away on his bike carrying two charity boxes yesterday afternoon, Thursday.

Support worker Jazmine Fletcher heard cries for help from a staff member at Yates Greer butchers on Union Street around 2.15pm as she was walking to Leigh Bus Station.

A man run out of the shop carrying two charity boxes and climbed on his pedal bike.

As he cycled away, Jazmine, 24, intercepted the man by jumping on the thief to knock him off his bike.

After getting up, he picked up one of the charity boxes and fled the scene on foot towards Lord Street leaving his bike behind.

Jazmine, who is 5"6 in height and with no self-defence training, said: "It was just instinct for me to try and stop him.

"I know the worker who was shouting for help and she was quite distressed and I just wanted to do something.

"I think it took the man completely by surprise when I stopped him because I do not look like someone who would be capable of tackling a thief.

"A lot of people told me they are proud of me since it happened.

"There were also three other people who helped me pick up money from the charity box that the man left behind as well.

"I think it is good that this incident has been recognised and shows that there are good people out there who are willing to help others."

Jazmine said she is considering taking up self-defence lessons following the incident.

Staff member Cath Reeves, who was the woman who shouted for help, added: "Jazmine is is a very conscientious young lady.

"She was very brave."

Jazmine's mum Elaine also manages the shop.

Enquiries are ongoing to find the thief.

The thief had dark, brown hair, was wearing a grey tracksuit, of a slim build and was in his late twenties.

He was also around 5"10 in height.

If you have any information about the theft, contact the police on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.