Robberies of elderly may be linked

Police investigating two robberies on elderly women in West Yorkshire say they may be linked.

An 81-year-old woman was targeted while walking into an alleyway between Staybright Avenue and Aireville Terrace in Cottingley, Bingley, at about 10.10am on Monday.

The victim was approached from behind and as she was turning down the alleyway she was grabbed from behind by a man who tried to take her bag.

Following a struggle the attacker fled with its contents including a purse and cash.

The woman, who was dragged to the floor in the incident, was left shocked and suffered some bruising.

A similar robbery happened at about 1pm in Rycroft Avenue in Bingley on February 15 in which an 85-year-old woman had her bag stolen.

A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with the latest offence and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Airedale and North Bradford CID on 0845 6060606 or Crime- Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.