A woman had a large wad of cash stolen from her as she withdrew it from an ATM in broad daylight.

But in a heartening moment, a passerby who spotted the crook acting suspiciously intervened.

He gave chase and managed to grab the thief forcing him to drop most of the bank notes and return them to her.

The shocking scenes happened in Binney Street, off busy Oxford Street, central London, yesterday (19 Feb) lunchtime at 12:20pm.

The victim is seen at the Lloyds cashpoint clutching her shopping bags.

The man, dressed in a black coat and cap, then approaches her from behind and pushes in front.

The Good Samaritan wanders over and wonders what is going on.

As the crook then starts pressing buttons on the ATM, he then begins to scarper.

The man gives chase as the thief shoves a pedestrian out of the way.

But the crook didn’t get very far before he was forced to drop the cash.

The kind-hearted man is then seen picking up money in a small park nearby.

The brazen theft was reported to police.

One witness, Sam, said: “Once she entered the pin, the guy asked for a large amount of cash and waited.

“The Good Samaritan got most back for her, good man.”

Noreen Power said: “That lad is a hero

“Not many would have helped her.”

Local, Bev, added: “Always go into a bank and make withdrawals, especially in big cities and dodgy towns.

The Met Police has been approached for comment.

ENDS