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Have-a-go hero attacked in WHSmith's Uxbridge
A HAVE-A-GO hero aged 64 was thrown down an escalator after he tried to stop an elderly lady being mugged of her purse in Uxbridge.
The horrific incident took place in front of stunned shoppers in WHSmith's in Uxbridge High Street yesterday afternoon (Thursday) at 11.15am.
A girl is believed to have followed an 81 year old woman from Abbey National in the High Street into WHSmith's when she attempted to grab her purse while on the escalators, up to the Post Office.
Ronald Ribeiro, 64, attempted to step in and stop the crime, but the girl shoved him and he fell halfway down the escalator onto the shop floor.
An ambulance was called and he was taken to Hillingdon Hospital, in Pield Heath Road, where he was treated for head injuries.
Mr Ribeiro escaped with cuts and bruises but has been left shaken up.
Wife Pauline said: "I got a call to say my husband had been thrown down an escalator, he just tried to intervene to help the poor woman.
"Everybody is calling him a hero, but he has a sore head."
In the ensuing melee £100 spilled out of the woman's purse, and the attacker was able to grab some of it and run off.
Police attended the scene and are studying CCTV and an investigation is underway.
They have issued a description of the suspect, who is a white female, aged 20-22, five foot five and of slim build, with shoulder length dark hair.
She was wearing a black jacket and black trousers.
Witnesses should call Sergeant Sam Austin of Uxbridge Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 0208 721 2782.
Police attended the scene and are studying CCTV and an investigation is underway.
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I was there that day and it was terrible to turn around and see my friends father with head injuries. there was a witness who i dont know if he was interviewed but the attacker had a companion walking into wh smiths that morning with her. these young girls need to be caught and why has there not been a collection set up to try and help this elderly lady financially?!?!?!?!?