The family of a Shanklin, Isle of Wight man, who was injured last night after he tried to stop a raid on a high street jewellers, have spoken of their shame and embarassment.
Lance Boyle, 71, was walking past the branch of Shatners with his wife when the raid started. He followed a robber inside and was confronted by a man wearing a crash helmet and brandishing a sledgehammer.
Whilst grappling with the raider, Mr Boyle was struck on the hand with the sledgehammer, breaking 3 fingers, but managed to pursue the gang out of the shop.
Outside as the two scooters being used by the gang sped from the scene, Mr Boyle leapt forward and clung to the rear mudguard of one and was dragged 50 yards down the road, sustaining severe grazing to his knees before losing his grip when flung against a roadside lamp post, breaking his right arm.
At this point, the second scooter ran over him, fracturing both Mr Boyle's legs. This did not prevent him from grabbing the foot of the raider, who then proceeded to kick the hero's head "as if it was a football."
Speaking from his hospital bed this morning, Mr Boyle, who is recovering remarkably well from his injuries, was modest about his heroic actions. "I only did what anyone would have done," he shrugged, wincing slightly.
However, his wife Enid, 69, and son Francis, 41 were less than enthusiastic. "I don't know what he was thinking of," sobbed Enid. "He never could keep his nose out of other people's business. When he rushed into the shop, I said 'Leave it, Lance!' but he's just too headstrong once he gets going."
"He's a complete idiot," added Francis. "He's only got himself to blame for all his injuries. Serves him right! Hero? He's an utter arsehole!"
