A courageous street cleaner has been nominated for a top bravery award after tackling a mugger who was wielding a ten-inch knife.
Paul Davis, who works for Wandsworth Council’s street cleaning contractor Fountains Plc, could get a police commendation after his heroic intervention led to the arrest of the mugger just moments after the robbery.
The 43-year-old was in Carlton Drive, in Putney, on July 16 when he heard the victim shouting and screaming,
But after seeing the robber holding the enormous knife to the victim’s throat and grabbing their wallet and coat, he sprinted after him without thought for his own safety.
He chased the robber through nearby flats, where he found the knife and the coat, before catching him just outside East Putney tube station.
After a brief struggle, the cleaner managed to pin down the thug until police officers arrived to help him, Mr Davis was also able to show detectives where the knife lay.
Speaking after receiving his award, he said: "I was minding my own business when I heard this commotion behind me and saw this young guy waving a knife around and shouting ‘give me the money’.
"Then he pressed the knife up against the man’s neck - I couldn’t just stand there and watch all this going on and not do something to try and stop it.
"To be honest I didn’t really think about it - I just reacted and when the guy ran off I just kept on chasing him.
"I was determined not to let him get away and luckily I managed to catch him quite quickly. All I did then was grab hold of him until the police arrived.
"Afterwards I realised that it could have been very dangerous, but when something like this happens you just act on instinct."
Sergeant Matt Snowden, of the East Hill and West Hill SNT, said: "As a result of the brave and conscientious actions of Paul Davis a dangerous offender was successfully captured and brought to justice.
"Please pass on a huge thank you to Mr Davis for his assistance on behalf of myself, the Metropolitan Police and the Putney community as a whole."