Shirley Tart: Do you help a stranger in danger or walk on by?

Apparently half of us would turn a blind eye if we saw a fight, a mugging or a robbery – even if there was a victim clearly needing help.

We wouldn't even bother to call for police or anyone else because we wouldn't want to get involved. What? Can you believe that?

So a big hand for those prepared to wade in and do their bit.

Or are you one of those who think helping out a stranger in a dodgy situation is a stupid thing to do? Where do you stand?

And the debate is more than a quick study amongst a few thousand folk.

Common sense and self preservation may dictate that you keep your distance.

On the other hand – and I'm on the other hand – instinct is more powerful than logic. And however daft the action might seem, there are still many who would be there like a shot. Even if there is a risk that tackling a bad 'un could make matters worse.

But it's surely a human reaction to injustice, isn't it? Whether it's a granny being beaten up for her purse, a youngster having their mobile phone snatched, or a yob threatening a pub landlord with a broken bottle, it's all about helping the victim.

And what about those awful stories of someone – often a child – floundering in water (perhaps not very deep but deep enough to snatch a little life away) while not even trained rescuers are prepared to get in there until the official waders arrive? How terrible is that?

Wouldn't you take a leap of faith to try and save a human being? Some of us would even be there for our dogs as well.

Yes, it might be reckless. Yes, it is undoubtedly risky. Yes, it is an instinct which outruns common sense by a mile. But thank God there are still people about who respond just by instinct.