A PENSIONER has thanked a builder for confronting a burglar outside her Hampstead home while she was undergoing a heart operation. Diana Schofield, 78, was having a pacemaker fitted on the morning of May 29. While she was in hospital, burglars broke into

A PENSIONER has thanked a builder for confronting a burglar outside her Hampstead home while she was undergoing a heart operation.

Diana Schofield, 78, was having a pacemaker fitted on the morning of May 29. While she was in hospital, burglars broke into her home in Prince Arthur Road.

After setting off the burglar alarm they tried to escape, but were confronted by the hulking figure of builder Jason Hughes.

"I just did what anyone else would," said Mr Hughes, 28 who works for Connect Engineering Solutions. "There were two people already trying to hold the guy but he was struggling so I helped pin him down. The burglars must have known the people who lived there were out while the lady was in hospital - they're scum for doing something like that."

Mrs Schofield, who is recovering from her operation, thinks the burglars climbed in through an open bathroom window.

"I don't know what they were intending to steal because I don't have a big television and I'm not on the internet," she said. "Perhaps they wanted to start an antiques shop. When the alarm went off my neighbour sounded the alarm and that's when all the builders came to the rescue. I must go and thank them."

Sgt Philip Hewetson from Frognal and Fitzjohns Safer Neighbourhood Police Team commended Mr Hughes - known as Jay - for his efforts.

"This was an excellent example of community spirit and the builders did an excellent job - it's really appreciated," he said.

A 22-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of burglary and then released on bail pending further enquiries. Police are trying to trace a second man seen leaving the house in the direction of Ellerdale Road. He is described as white and of slim build, and he was wearing a white top. Anyone with any information should call police on 020-7404 1212.