TWO women had their bags snatched in Nelson and Brierfield last night.

In the first incident at 10.50pm a 56-year-old woman was getting into her car at the junction of Farrier Street and Manchester Road when she was approached by an Asian man.

He demanded her purse, then cut the strap of her shoulder bag and ran off into Farrier Street.

Stolen was a black leather shoulder bag containing bank cards and money worth £101. The man is described as 17 to 20, thin build, wearing black clothing with his hood pulled up over his head and with a local accent.

The second incident involved an elderly couple walking in Walter Street, Brierfield, at 11.30pm.

One offender pulled the husband to the ground and the 72-year-old woman was also thrown to the ground and her bag was ripped from her shoulder.

Both received minor injuries.

Stolen was a blue shoulder bag containing bank cards, a bus bass and library card worth £14.

The offenders were Asian men in their late teens to early 20s.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 01282 425001.