A BRAVE teen who courageously chased a handbag thief in Bournemouth has been rewarded with £60. Joey Fellows is 18 and a resident at Michael’s House in Boscombe, which provides shelter for homeless people.

Last week he was walking in Vale Road when he saw a commotion outside a house on the street.

“I just saw a man running out of a garden and another older man behind chasing him,” Joey said.

“I asked him what was going on and he explained something had been stolen.

“I didn’t really have time to think – and I just started running after him.”

He added: “When it looked like he was slowing down a bit I sped up and just knocked him into the bushes, put my hand on him and told him to give back what he’d stolen – and he did.

“Then I made my way back to the woman (who it belonged to) and gave her the bag back.”

Joey, who is originally from Yorkshire, added that he had thought nothing of pursuing the man.

So he was surprised when the bag’s owner handed him £10 as a reward, before a thank-you card was dropped into the home the next day with £50 enclosed.

The card from Jo and Lionel Hardy said: “Thank you for your prompt and brave action yesterday.

“My wife and I are very grateful. Thank you again.”

Joey said he spoke to police officers following the incident, who encouraged him to do a public services course.

He now has designs on becoming a PCSO in the future.

The manager of Michael’s House, Mark Horsford, said that he is incredibly proud of Joey and wants people in the area to know how brave he is.

“It’s an amazing story for Joey,” he added. “It’s a really positive thing and great for the community.”