A Smith’s resident recalled the horrific moment when she was dragged about 200 feet along the road in an attempted robbery near Flatts inlet on Sunday night.

The woman, who does not wish to be named, was walking home with her husband along Harrington Sound Road just after 9pm when a rider on a motorcycle drove past them and tried to grab her purse from her shoulder. She held on to her purse and was dragged to the ground and along the road, sustaining injuries to her lower body.

Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses.

The female resident told The Royal Gazette: “Just as we crossed the street, a guy on a bike drove up behind me. I had my purse hooked on my right shoulder and my left hand was also holding it.

“As he came around, he tried to rip it off my arm, but, of course, my other hand was holding on to it, so he pretty much pulled me to the ground. He was still driving and I got dragged about 200 feet holding on to the purse.

“My boots are absolutely worn, right through the leather, from being dragged. Fortunately, I had a jacket on so I didn’t have abrasions on my upper body, but on my lower body I have abrasions on both of my hips and both of my knees. I have lovely road rash.”

The victim managed to keep hold of the bag determined not to let the rider steal it.

“He was kind of waving across both lanes and when he realised I wouldn’t let go, he took off.

“My husband called the Police immediately and he said ‘Let’s stay right here until the Police arrive’. I didn’t get a good look at him [the would-be thief]. He had a full helmet and a black jacket.”

Police arrived on the scene and took the pair home to their residence. The woman decided not to go to hospital but will be visiting her doctor today.

“There are a lot of people who rent to tourists and there are lots tourists walking around there all the time,” she added. “I thought it was quite a safe area, considering all the traffic and the intersection.

“There’s no camera, as I found out, but there is one by where the bridge is at Manor House.

“We become a little complacent, so this is a reminder to me and everybody else to be careful.”