Fighting back

No one knows quite how they will react in the face of danger. Would you tackle a shop-lifter, grapple with an intruder in your home or be able to defend yourself against a mugger?

A Balderton woman, walking from the shop, found herself having to answer such questions, when a gang of youths confronted her in the street.

All too often such yobs pick on someone they think will not fight back, and in this 5ft 1ins 35-year-old the gang no doubt thought they had an easy target as they demanded money.

To their surprise, however, the woman hit the ringleader and cut his lip. The gang then fled and the woman hurried home.

She said she was not proud of her actions but it was either hit out or be mugged.

“This lady showed amazing courage,” said Pc Richard Gettings.

“She decided in that split second she wasn’t going to be intimidated and fought them off.”

Her actions are all the more impressive as it was a nine on one situation.

Let’s hope the gang members learnt their lesson.

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This week has seen the launch of the Newark area Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

With the war in Afghanistan ten years old, it is as important as ever to support charities that help our brave Armed Forces personnel.

Please remember their sacrifice, and give generously to make the 2011 Poppy Appeal one to remember, particularly in its 90th anniversary year.