Purse-snatcher escapes by jumping onto train tracks

A man who snatched a woman’s purse on a US train platform has escaped by jumping onto the tracks.  

Police said the offender allegedly pulled the purse off a 44-year-old woman inside Grand Central Station in New York City about 5pm on June 24.

CCTV showed a group of witnesses, who chased the man down the platform, stopping short as he jumped onto the southbound train tracks and disappeared through the tunnel.

The woman’s stolen purse contained a mobile phone, credit card and cash.

Police have released details of the alleged offender’s appearance in an attempt to track him down.