AN 80-year-old man was taken to hospital after he fought off a would-be robber.

Beat officers are mounting extra patrols after attacks on elderly people in Bishop Auckland over the past week.

The victim, from Gent Road, in the town, had been walking along Taylor Road at 10.15am on Thursday when he was attacked from behind.

He was pushed to the ground by a man in his early 20s who tried to steal his wallet from an inside pocket.

The pensioner grappled with his assailant and forced him to flee empty-handed.

He was taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital where he was treated for cuts to his wrists and elbow.

His attacker had sharp features, short dark hair, brown eyes and wore a dark tracksuit top.

At about 11.45am on Wednesday, April 29, a 75-yearold woman was walking along Byron Road when her bag was snatched by a man fitting the same description. He rode up behind her on a bicycle.

At 11am the following day in busy Newgate Street, an 89- year-old woman was approached by a man on foot who grabbed her bag and made off.

Neither woman was injured.

PC Simon Hogg, of Bishop Auckland police, believes the attacks are linked and appealed for people with information to get in touch.

He said: “In each case the person responsible cowardly targeted elderly people who are among the most vulnerable members of the community.”

In a separate incident on Thursday, April 30, a woman from West Cornforth was loading shopping into her car at Asda, Bishop Auckland, when she was targeted by another bag snatcher.

The police helicopter was called out and a Bishop Auckland man was later arrested and charged with theft.

Witnesses to any of the attacks are asked to call police on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.