POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two pensioners were subjected to violent handbag snatches in Burnley.

The incidents happened within just over an hour of each other and officers are not ruling out the possibility they may be linked.

The first robbery happened at around 1.30pm on Tuesday when a 67-year-old woman was waiting for a bus in a shelter in Manchester Road, Hapton.

She was approached by man who asked her the time of the next bus before appearing to walk off. He then approached her from behind and grabbed her handbag. During the struggle the woman, who has not been named, fell to the floor, injuring her shoulder and hip.

She managed to beat off the attacker who fled empty handed in a maroon car. He was described as white, 5ft 10in, of medium build, with cropped hair, a large spot on his left cheek and wearing a blouson jacket and black trousers and trainers.

In the second incident two women, both aged around 69, were leaving the Kettledrum pub, Mereclough, Cliviger, at about 2.50pm when they were approached by two men in a car.

The passenger then grabbed the strap of one of the women's shoulder bags as the car began to drive off. The strap broke in the struggle and the men sped off with the bag, containing £80 and a mobile phone.

The passenger was described as white, well built, early 20s with short hair. The driver was white, early 20s with a local accent.

Anyone with information about the incidents should call 01282 472159 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Violent raids by

handbag grabbers