A grandson has praised heroes who helped save his 82-year-old grandad from a “mugger” outside an ATM in Woolwich.

The elderly victim, who wanted to be known as C Richardson, was trying to take money out of the machine at the Herbert Road post office when he was approached by a man offering to help.

Dell Goodman, his grandson, said: “Someone had tried helping a couple with draw money and they told him to leave them be. So he tried again with my 82-year-old grandad.

“Unfortunately my grandad didn't see through the scam and got out his usually £200 to £250 from the ATM. Which then resulted in this person snatching and running.”

It looked like Mr Richardson would leave the ATM a poorer man until three people living nearby rushed to get his money back.

Mr Richardson and his grandson were never able to get the have-a-go heroes' names but they wanted to thank their saviours for what they did while also warning other people not to fall for a similar trap.

Mr Goodman said: “My grandad would like to express his gratitude for the kindness of everyone who helped in the area.

“It was two young lads and a middle-aged gentlemen who gave chase, and a family who looked after my grandad while the police came, we didn't get their names.

“I overheard someone say that the mugged tried approaching a couple at the ATM before my grandad but they didn't trust the situation.

“My grandad usually takes his time at those ATMs where the mugger took advantage and acted friendly to help him withdraw the money.”

Mr Goodman said they caught some of the incident on CCTV and have handed the evidence over to the police.

Met Police have been contacted for comment.