DETECTIVES are probing possible links between two street muggings in Nelson - both on elderly women in the town centre area.

Police say a 69-year-old woman was attacked from behind while walking along Leeds Road between 7.30pm and 8pm on Friday night.

She was pushed to the ground and her mugger stole her handbag and ran off towards the former Tesco building and the banks of Walverden Water.

Det Con Alisa Wilson said: "The lady was very shaken by the incident and sustained bruising to her face and knee and an injury to her hand.

"The offender is described as an Asian or mixed race male, of slim build and wearing a black hooded top."

She is keen to trace a couple who may have witnessed the incident and came to the woman's aid.

DC Wilson added: "This incident must have been very frightening for the victim and she is currently receiving support from officers and her family. "

The detective believes the incident might be connected with another robbery, of an 85-year-old woman, at the town's bus interchange on Monday, November 17, at around 11.30am, when a man wrestled a purse from her grasp.

Witnesses to the latest robbery are urged to call police on 101, quoting log LC-20141128-1395 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.