Bowled Over

Bryonie Sheppard was being pampered for Mother's Day with her husband and two children at Megabowl, at Clifton Moor, when she spotted a man grabbing a handbag belonging to a York schoolgirl.

The 29-year-old housekeeper, from Deacon Court, Selby, courageously then followed him and demanded it back.

"I was running on pure adrenaline," Bryonie said.

"He tried to get away after stuffing the bag up his shirt, so I sort of rugby-tackled him and tried to hold on.

"He was swinging me about for ages but I was determined not to let go."

Bryonie then returned the bag to 13-year-old Bee Boon, who was bowling with her mum, Anne, and brother, Eddie, on a nearby lane.

Her husband restrained the thief until help arrived, but he later managed to escape and is still on the loose.

Bryonie said: "I had kept my eye on him because he looked really suspicious when we first started bowling."

Anne, who lives in Millfield Road, off Scarcroft Road, gave Bryonie £10 to thank her for saving the day. "Something like this restores my faith in humanity," she said.

"The fact we didn't even know her and she was still prepared to have a go is fantastic - I can't thank her enough.

"Bee's bag had medical supplies in it for her nut allergy. We would have had to go to the emergency doctor if it had been taken, which is a real pain.

"I had to practically force the money into Bryonie's hand."

Bee, who is a pupil at Bootham School, added: "Bryonie is a real hero. It was really nice of her and very brave."

Sergeant John Suchomski, of York Police, confirmed the incident had been reported yesterday afternoon.

"The matter is being investigated," he said.

A staff member at Megabowl said the thief had been picked up by security cameras and the footage was being studied by police.

He said: "It was unfortunate he managed to get away, but there was a lot confusion."

"I was really pleased with the family's reaction," Bryonie added. "I felt quite a hero."

Updated: 11:46 Monday, March 11, 2002