Woman mugged during TV interview

A Brazilian woman has fallen victim to a brazen mugging attempt while she was being interviewed by a television crew about crime in the area.

The woman was speaking to RJTV in broad daylight yesterday about the lack of police in the centre of Rio de Janeiro when a thief attempts to snatch her gold necklace.

The attempt briefly chokes the woman but the thief flees without getting the necklace.

Reporter Eduardo Tchao is seen chasing after the young thief but was outpaced by the speedy criminal through the busy traffic.

The woman suffered a scratched neck in the attack, which broke the necklace.

The attempted robbery took place right next to the State Security headquarters.

Sources: Diario 24 Horas, Veja