POLICE have made an arrest following a spate of muggings on older women in Accrington.

At around 7.30pm on Thursday, officers arrested a 28-year-old man who remains in custody.

On Thursday afternoon police received reports that 70-year-old woman was pushed against a wall and had her bag taken from her while she was walking near to Robert Street.

At around 3.30pm on Thursday, two women were attacked near Higham Playing Fields off Thorneyholme Road where a bag was stolen.

At around 9.15pm on Wednesday, a 61-year-old woman was approached in Pembroke Street, by a man who attempted to steal her handbag.

The woman cried out for help which is thought to have scared off the attacker before he was able to snatch her belongings.

Police said: "The attacker did not manage to steal the victim's bag as he was scared off when she called for help.

"He is believed to have ran towards Sultan Street."

The woman was pushed to the ground in the scuffle and as a result has suffered injuries to her knee and hip.

A relative of the 61-year-old said: "It was awful for her. Thankfully she screamed very loud and he ran off.

"It's disgusting, she’s an older lady and is now bruised and cut because he knocked her off her feet."

And on Wednesday afternoon, a 73-year-old woman in Washington Street was chased by a man who stole her bag, took her purse out and ran off.

A police spokesperson said: "We are in the very early stages of the investigation but following a number of reports of elderly women being targeted a 28-year-old man has been arrested this evening.

"We would advise people to be on their guard, keep an eye on their possessions and to not carry large sums of cash on their person.

"Additionally, we would ask if anyone has had anything similar happen to them that hasn't been reported to contact the police with details."

Call police on 101 with any information.