POLICE were today hunting a mugger believed to be responsible for three attacks on elderly women in less than three hours in Blackburn.

Two of the attacks happened in just 10 minutes on the same street.

All three women were approached from behind and gave similar descriptions of their attacker, with one of the women suffering head injuries after putting up a struggle.

The first attack happened at 1.20pm yesterday when a 74-year-old woman had her handbag stolen after being approached from behind in 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.

Two hours later, at 3.30pm on Sandpiper Close, an 80-year-old woman suffered head injuries after being thrown to the ground by her attacker. She was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Her attacker was a white male, aged 19 to 20, around 5ft 6in, of stocky build and was wearing a white jumper.

The third attack happened just 10 minutes later, again on Sandpiper Close, when a 68-year-old woman had her handbag stolen.

Detective Sergant Paul Harwood, of Blackburn CID, said: "We believe all three attacks to have been carried out by the same person."

Anyone with information should ring police on 01254 353569."