A HEROIC member of the public came to the aid of a disabled man as he was being robbed in an alleyway.

The 33-year-old victim, who has learning difficulties, was walking in Mill Green, in Pitsea, on April 4, when he was approached by a man and a woman.

The woman shoved him in to a nearby alleyway and said: “My boyfriend has a knife and he will use it if you do not hand over your bag.”

The terrified victim, who lives locally, handed over his backpack which contained a bar of chocolate and a drink worth just £2.

However, a passerby spotted what was happening and intervened.

He managed to get the man’s bag back for him and called the police.

Officers arrived at the scene and arrested a 25- year-old woman nearby.

She has been released on police bail until May 16, pending further enquiries.