Paris muggers fake heart attacks

GOOD samaritans have become the target of a new mugging trend in Paris, police have warned.

A number of thefts have been reported in recent weeks involving victims who rush to help a passer-by who has collapsed in the street, clutching his chest in pain.

The "injured" man tells the target that they are fine and do not need an ambulance, then grabs them and steals their bag or wallet before running to a nearby waiting car.

The Paris préfecture de police said it was seeking several men in their late 20s and early 30s, who were selecting victims walking alone on a quiet stretch of road late at night.

In one reported incident last weekend in the eighth arrondissement, the target was carrying €10,000 in cash.

Another, in the third arrondissement involved a retired woman with €5 in her wallet.

Christophe Villedieu - Fotolia.com