Met 'slow' to aid Holby star in mugging

Scotland Yard was today preparing for an internal investigation into why police took so long to respond after actress Sharon Maughan - the Gold Blend coffee girl - fell victim to a mugging bid.

The actress, who now stars in BBC1's Holby City, chased the would-be thief after he tried to snatch her handbag in the street. But she is said to be angry police failed to arrive "for some considerable time".

The mother of three - married to actor Trevor Eve - was left "very shaken" after the incident. Ms Maughan, 52, was parking outside her Chelsea home when a hooded teenager tried to grab her bag through the car window.

Police were told immediately, but Scotland Yard today confirmed that a complaint had been received over their response time.