ELDERLY women in Blackburn have been warned not to go out alone after a vicious street robber struck for the second time in two days.

In the latest attack, a woman in her 80s was mugged and pushed to the floor by a man who stole her purse.

It happened as she walked along an alley between Mulberry Street and Longton Close, in Audley, at 10.15am yesterday.

The previous morning, a 71-year-old woman was pushed face-first onto the floor as she left St Joseph's RC Church, off Audley Range.

Her assailant also stole her handbag.

The pensioner described the man - who stole £15 and left her with severe bruising to her face - as white, in his late teens and was wearing a baseball cap.

She was attacked moments after leaving the church where she had lit two candles and said prayers for her daughter, who was about to undergo a serious operation.

The second victim told police her robber was white, aged about 18, and had a slim build.

He was also wearing a blue baseball cap and a cream top with blue sleeves.

Detective Inspector Jim Elston, of Blackburn CID, said there was a clear link between the crimes because they happened in the same area, at a similar time, and involved an elderly female victim with a teenage male suspect.

Mr Elston added: "The women could have been far more seriously injured.

"Both have been left extremely traumatised and shaken.

"It is important elderly female people in Audley exercise caution and care when out.

"Anyone with a elderly relative should put in place some basic security measures, like making sure they don't carry cash or, more importantly, that they are accompanied when going out."

The second robber fled towards Audley Range, leaving the woman on the floor.

She escaped any serious injuries, suffering only grazes to her knees.

Father David Featherstone, the priest in charge of St Joseph's, has spoken of his shock at the robbery on his 71-year-old parishioner.

He said: "I am very sorry this has happened. It is very shocking.

"She is a very, very good person and very devout to her faith. She is the sort of person who would not do anybody any harm. It is very distressing to hear."

Anyone with information about the robberies should call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.