Veteran broadcaster Jan Leeming bravely fought off a young mugger who rugby tackled her to the ground and tried to steal her bag.
The 80-year-old former BBC newsreader proved a tough cookie when she was pounced upon by a thug, but was left with a six inch wound on her arm and bruises.
The I’m A Celebrity star was attacked as she stood by a cash point machine with a friend in a sleepy village in Provence, France, where she was on holiday.
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A young man in front of her gestured that she use the ATM before him in what seemed like an act of kindness.
But as Jan held out her hand to shake his hand as a thank you, he grabbed her and wrestled her to the ground but fled empty handed.
The TV star revealed: “Horrid experience. Attacked close to ATM. Youngish man seemed pleasant.
“He asked me if I spoke French and extended his hand. I thought it was a friendly gesture. Held out hand like a first rate idiot.
“That’s when he tackled me to the ground. Rugby tackled to ground. Bag was over my arm. He didn’t get it. Got six inch gash on arm back of hand black and blue.
“Lovely passerby had first aid kit in car. It was heavily sprayed with antiseptic- did that make me scream – and then went to pharmacy- should be fine.
“It was horrid but well orchestrated with a getaway car. My head was very close to oncoming car. Think there was CCTV but he wore a mask – and friends couldn’t get number plate.”
She tried to report the attack to the French police but the office was closed and she has no hope they would even catch the attackers.
But she claims the ordeal brought back memories of the time she was mugged in 1987 by a teen who stole her handbag.
And she says this had made her stop trusting people when she is out and about.
Jan added: “I am too trusting. Never again accept handshake from a stranger. Should have followed my instincts. Thought he was a bit suspicious but I like to give the benefit of the doubt. Never again.
“Any swarthy stranger will be kept at a safe distance.
“In my opinion the world is growing much more nasty very rapidly.”
The ex-newscaster received a flood of message of support from her Twitter followers yesterday.
She told them: “Please don’t worry. I’m absolutely fine – not traumatised one little bit.
“Just sore with a few bruises and a massive dressing on my arm. Thank you all so much for your warmth and good wishes.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
