Amanda Smalley (40), of North Lynn, was driving out of Baker Lane car park at about 7pm last Tuesday when she saw two men and a woman struggling on the ground outside the public toilets.

Ms Smalley realised the couple were being mugged when the two men stood up and began a tug-of-war with a handbag while the woman lay injured on the ground.

She said: "I felt so angry I just put my foot down and chased him in the car until he went past some bollards."

The mugger ran through an alleyway into High Street and made off towards St Margaret's Church.

Ms Smalley, of Le Strange Avenue, stayed with the couple, who were on holiday from London, until police and an ambulance arrived. The 76-year-old woman and her 81-year-old husband did not require hospital treatment.

Ms Smalley, who has two grown-up daughters and a son, added: "The woman burst into tears and hugged me.

"She sent me some flowers to thank me and I would like to stay in touch with them to see how they are doing."

• A 16-year-old appeared in court on Saturday accused of robbery in Lynn on Tuesday, May 6.

The teenager is also accused of murdering a Dereham woman by stabbing her to death on Tuesday, April 29.

The youth, who cannot be named, was remanded in custody by Great Yarmouth magistrates.

He is due to appear at Norwich Crown Court on Monday, May 19.