A man who was arrested following a spate of attacks and attempted muggings has been released.

Police arrested a 28-year-old man on Thursday evening following a spate of incidents involving elderly women in Accrington.

The man has now been released on bail pending further investigations. 

Police are urging people to be vigilant with their belongings and to take care when carrying cash.

A police spokesperson said: "On Thursday a 28-year-old man was arrested after a number of attacks on elderly women in the Accrington area.

"Last night (Friday October 27), the man was released on bail pending further investigation.

"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.

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

On Thursday afternoon (October 25) 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; again, a bag was stolen.

On Wednesday afternoon (October 24), a 73-year-old woman was chased in the Washington Street area of Accrington, by a man who stole her bag before throwing it to the ground and making off with her purse.

At around 9.15pm on Wednesday October 24, a 61-year-old woman was approached in Pembroke Street, by a man who attempted to steal her handbag.

Fortunately, this victim was able to call for help, which is thought to have scared the attacker off before he was able to snatch her belongings.

The incident was reported to the police who issued this statement: "We received a call from a concerned resident, reporting an attempted mugging in Pembroke Street, Accrington.

"The incident is believed to have happened at around 9.15 on Wednesday evening.

"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 in order to get away."

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."

Reports from residents in the area suggest further similar incidents have been occurring over the last few days, and it is believed another woman of a similar age was targeted for her handbag in Sydney Street.

Residents are asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police on 101.

Similarly, if anyone has any information about these attacks they should call the police on 101.