Pensioner was one of two women robbed in Castleford

The first robbery happened at around 3.30pm yesterday (Tuesday November 3) when a man grabbed hold of a 56-year-old woman as she was withdrawing money from a cashpoint on Smawthorne Lane.

The man stole the cash she had withdrawn and then ran from the scene. The victim was not harmed.

The second offence happened at around 5.10pm yesterday in a ginnel just off Smawthorne Lane. A 75-year-old woman was approached by a man who pushed her to the floor and stole her handbag.

A 35-year-old man from Castleford has been arrested in connection with both robberies but police are still keen to speak to anyone who has information.

Det Inspector David Rogerson, of Wakefield District CID, said: "Although we have arrested a male, I would ask that anyone who witnessed either offence or has any further information to contact the police on 101.

"It is a timely reminder to keep your PIN numbers safe, don’t write them down and cover the number panel when entering your PIN at the cashpoint or till areas."