POLICE are warning people in Nelson to be on their guard after a bag snatch and an attempted theft.

The first incident happened at about 11am on Wednesday when a 79-year-old woman was walking along the footpath between Every Street and Clayton Street.

She was approached from behind by a youth who snatched her purse from her bag and walked off.

He was described as Asian, 15-17 years, slim, and wearing a dark baseball cap, a dark blue hooded top, dark trousers and white trainers.

The second, unrelated, incident happened at about 3.45pm on the same day when a man was approached after leaving the bank on Manchester Road and ordered to hand over his wallet and car keys. He refused and the offender walked off to join another man.

The offender was described as white, 30 years old, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins, with a light brown beard, wearing a blue baseball cap and a blue fleece. He spoke with a strong Liverpool accent.

The second man was white, 5ft 6ins, stocky and bald, with a fair beard.

Brent Fielden, Pennine Police street crime co-ordinator, said: "We do not believe these two incidents are connected, but people do need to be aware that they should not keep valuables on show and should be aware of who is around."

Anyone with information should call Brent Fielden on 01282 472258 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.