Act of Bravery

A courageous OAP saved a young girl from muggers.

A pensioner fought off robbers with her walking stick after seeing them attack a 12-year-old girl.

Police are trying to trace the woman, believed to be in her 70s, who came to the girl's aid in a subway in Stretford, Greater Manchester.

The girl was robbed by three youths who stole money from her blazer pocket.

The pensioner comforted the girl and even replaced her stolen money. Police say the girl's family want to thank the "brave" pensioner in person.

Why the scare quotes around brave? There's little wonder that the woman, who most certainly is brave (the thugs were said to be about 17 years old), might want to remain anonymous- any doubts that the teen thugs would press charges of assault against her if they knew who she was?

I'm fairly certain that many people in Britain today, if confronted by the same situation, might have to pause and think before helping out a 12 year old girl being attacked by three 17 year old yobs- am I going to be arrested of I help?