Hi °C | Lo °C A thief ensured he made tracks after snatching an elderly woman’s handbag — by escaping on a go-kart.
The brazen culprit grabbed the pensioner’s bag during the incident in the Larne link road area of Ballymena.
Ironically, the road was recently labelled “a race track” because of reports of young people engaging in anti-social motoring on quads and other vehicles along the busy route.
The theft took place in broad daylight with a number of bystanders and passing motorists looking on in bewilderment.
One of those who watched the incident unfold said: “It was one of the most unbelievable things I’ve ever seen.
“We were heading back to our car when suddenly there was a loud buzzing noise and this go-kart appeared from nowhere and was driving very fast towards us.
“The driver suddenly swerved towards a couple who were walking a bit ahead and reached out his hand to the woman who was on the outside.
“In a split-second he had snatched her handbag from her and sped off towards the Larne link road. He was gone in a flash.
“The speed of it all made it difficult to take in but it was definitely the most bizarre, audacious thing I have ever seen.”
The theft took place on Tuesday of last week but details have just emerged.
A police spokesman said one man had been arrested and was bailed pending further inquiries.
