This is the dramatic moment a brave British backpacker chased a thief who stole her handbag.

Lucy Emma Crawford and Milla Anne Tomkinson, both 19, were walking down a deserted street in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, when the motorcycle-riding snatcher yanked away the black shoulder bag.

CCTV footage shows how he then roared away on his vehicle with Lucy's bag as the frantic pair bolted after him, shouting for help.

The suspect was seen speeding out of the neighbourhood and through an intersection in the early hours of Monday.

The holidaymakers, from Wythenshawe, Manchester, lodged a report with the police at 3:50 am local time.

Officers reviewed security footage in the area, and tracked down the Thai suspect, identified Phanuwat Dechpan, 39, at a car repair shop in the Doi Saket district later that morning.

Upon seeing the officers, Phanuwat reportedly panicked and tried to flee, but he was swiftly surrounded by the cops.

They hauled him back to his small apartment in the same district, where they discovered the British woman's belongings - including a black leather shoulder bag, an iPhone 16, a power bank, a room key, and a portable fan - still intact.

Phanuwat was taken to the Chiang Mai City Police Station for questioning.

Police Major General Yutthana Kaenchan said: 'During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, claiming it was a momentary lapse in judgment.

'He said he had just finished his contract with a government agency in Doi Saket District and had been employed at the car repair shop.

'He was in debt, both for motorcycle instalments and rent, and committed the bag snatching and returned to his apartment. Before the tourist's stolen property could be sold, the police arrived to arrest him.'

Phanuwat was charged with theft by using a vehicle. He was handed over to the inquiry officer for further legal action.

The teenage tourists confirmed Phanuwat's identity and thanked the police for catching him within hours.