Tourist Peter Huska is the toast of the Island after he rushed to the rescue when a bag-snatcher struck in Hamilton at the weekend.

The off-duty Canadian detective sprang into action when he heard the screams of a woman on Front Street on Saturday afternoon after the thief had made off with her purse.

The bomb squad chief, who is on holiday with his wife Penny to celebrate both of their 40th birthdays, said without thinking, he took off in pursuit of the criminal until he finally managed to bring him to the ground.

The Police arrived soon after and the victim's bag, containing air tickets, passport and credit cards, was returned in one piece.

Mr. Huska, who is staying at Astwood Cove Apartments on South Shore, said he and his wife had just returned from a ferry ride to St. George's when the thief struck at about 2.15 p.m., close to Albuoys Point.

"I heard the woman scream that someone had taken her purse, and at that point I could see someone running," said Mr. Huska.

"He was the only person running through the pedestrian traffic, so I took up foot pursuit after him. Along the way, he attempted to discard the purse, I guess to elude further apprehension, but I then managed to catch up with him and apprehend him. I pulled him to the ground."

Mr. Huska, from Thornton, Ontario, had chased the thief along Front Street, up Par-La-Ville Road, and onto Bermudiana Road when he finally managed to grapple him to the ground.

A bystander then called 911 and the Police arrived soon after and took the thief away.

Asked whether he felt like a hero, Mr. Huska said his natural instincts just kicked in.

"Quite honestly, it was just a normal reaction to when we have a cry for help," he added.

"I didn't worry about me. I suppose there is always a calculated amount of risk, and it does cross your mind, but it is something you overcome.

"I think anybody else would have helped out if the situation had been reversed. It's flattering to be called a hero, but this is just what I do."

And Mr. Huska said the incident had not put him or his wife off returning to the Island in future.

"I have to say, this was not the purpose of coming to Bermuda, but it hasn't spoiled our holiday," he said.

"We think it's a lovely place. It has absolutely not put us off coming back to Bermuda. We would love to come back again some time."

And to thank Mr. Huska for his trouble, management at Astwood Cove Apartments presented the couple with a bottle of champagne on Saturday night, which they plan to drink tonight, before flying out tomorrow.

He added: "Hopefully, the scales of justice will be in favour of the victim more than culprit."

The victim, a Bermudian woman, managed to follow the thief and Mr. Huska, and managed to pick up her purse and all of the belongings.

She was not contactable last night by The Royal Gazette, but Mr. Huska said she had thanked him profusely for his help. She was not hurt in the incident.

A 34-year-old Devonshire man was arrested and taken to Hamilton Police station for questioning.

Anyone who witnessed the bag snatch, which took place on the corner of Front Street and Queen Street, should call detectives on 295-0011.