CROOKS have been urged to help police catch a robber who has attacked two frail pensioners.

Detective Inspector Simon Giles today said even criminals would be disgusted by the actions of the man, who has struck in the Audley area of Blackburn.

And he asked them to contact police with information before the robber struck again.

Last Wednesday, soon after 9.15am, a 71-year-old woman was attacked from behind and pushed face-first into an alleyway floor next to St. Joseph's RC Church, off Audley Range.

She was left with two black eyes, cuts, bruises and broken dentures after going into church to light a candle for her sick daughter. The robber fled with her handbag containing £15.

Just over 24 hours later, at 10.15am on Thursday, a woman in her 80s was pushed to the floor in a walkway between Mulberry Street and Longton Close.

Her purse, containing about £70, was stolen but she avoided injury other than grazes to her knees.

DI Giles said: "At this stage we are unable to discount that the offences may be linked.

"We are asking people to be on their guard and to take crime prevention measures."

A local man was arrested on Friday in connection with robbery offences but was released on Saturday pending further police inquiries.

DI Giles said: "In relation to either offence, we request further information.

"These are heinous offences and we are appealing to the better nature of members of the public including criminals to come forward with any information they have.

"We have had some information from members of the community but need more.

"Whoever is responsible is preying on the most vulnerable members of the community."

Both victims said the robber was a white teenager, in his late teens and wearing a baseball cap.

The second woman also believed he was slim and was wearing a cream top with blue sleeves.

Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.