MIDDLESBROUGH police are investigating two bag-snatching incidents that may be linked.
The first happened on Friday night when a woman in her mid-40s was walking from Hereford Close towards Cumberland Road, near the Red Rose pub, when her bag was grabbed from behind.
She managed to hold on to the bag but the strap snapped and the man, white and in his 20s, ran off towards a waiting car which was driven off towards Linthorpe Road.
The incident happened between 9.50pm and 10pm.
The following day, a 71-year-old woman was attacked as she walked across the car park of the Coulby Newham Parkway Shopping Centre with her daughter at about 2pm.
The thief, again white and in his 20s, approached the woman from behind and ran off towards a waiting car, a red Metro.
Detective Sergeant Ian Craig, of Middlesbrough CID, said: "These incidents must have been frightening for the women involved. Thankfully, neither was hurt although things could have turned out differently. We need to trace the people responsible."
Anyone who witnessed either incident or has any information is asked to contact DS Craig on (01642) 303126.
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