POLICE are appealing for help to catch a serial mugger believed to be responsible for three attacks on elderly women in Blackburn before he strikes again.

Two of the attacks happened in 10 minutes in the same street. All three women were approached from behind and gave similar descriptions of their attackers, with one of the women suffering head injuries after putting up a struggle with her attacker.

DS Mark Evans of Blackburn CID said: "We urge anyone who may have witnessed something or who may know who is responsible for these attacks to contact us. In the meantime we're advising all elderly people in the area to be extra vigilant when out walking and to keep their bags zipped at all times and their purses out of view.''

The first attack happened at 1.20pm on Wednesday when a 74-year-old woman had her shopping bag containing a purse and £26 stolen after being approached from behind while walking along Finch Close, Blackburn. Her attacker was a white male, aged 19 to 20, around 5ft 7in, with dark hair and was wearing a blue and white top.

More than two hours later, at 3.30pm in Sandpiper Close, an 80-year-old woman suffered head injuries after being thrown to the ground by her attacker as she kept hold of her handbag. She was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary. Her attacker was a white male, aged 19 to 20, around 5ft 6in, of stocky build and wearing a white jumper.

The third attack happened only 10 minutes later, again in Sandpiper Close, when a 67-year-old woman had her leather shopping bag stolen, containing a purse and £130 in cash. Again, her attacker was white, around 5ft 6in, with short dark hair and was wearing a white and blue top.

Anyone with information can ring Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers free on 0800 555111.