HAVE-A-GO heroes have been praised by police probing seven handbag snatches in Torquay and Paignton involving a mountain bike mugger.

Detectives today thanked members of the public who rushed to the aid of two robbery victims in the seafront area of the two resorts on Saturday evening.

Just 24 hours later, with help from those who intervened, officers were able to arrest a 35-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman in Torquay in connection with the two incidents and five similar offences in Torquay between August 17 and 20.

Det Sgt Simon Costin, of Torquay CIT, said: "All those involved acted very bravely and were able to recover the handbags which had been taken.

"In both incidents a suspect was chased by members of the public and detained, although not long enough for us to make an arrest immediately. On each occasion the suspect was able to ride off.

"But as a result of their actions we've made significant inroads into the investigation which have led to two arrests we made on Sunday."

The pair detained have since been quizzed and then released on bail pending further inquiries.

They have been ordered back for further questioning on November 6.

The first strike on Saturday involved a 17-year-old girl whose bag was grabbed by the pedalling thief in Torquay's Belgrave Road, the scene of three previous attacks.

But the crime was spotted by a man who gave chase and recovered girl's bag.

The incident happened at 8.45pm. Just half-an-hour later more heroics were witnessed on the street when an elderly couple were targeted on Paignton seafront's Esplanade Road.

This time two men ran after the thief and repeated the success of the Torquay hero.

Detectives are anxious to trace both individuals, one of them believed to have been drinking at the Inn on the Green pub when he made his dramatic intervention.

"We do not have their details, so we would like them to come forward and identify themselves," said DS Costin.

Anyone with information can contact him on 01803 841477.

Police have estimated the first five snatches netted the culprit hundreds of pounds.