POLICE believe two handbag snatches within 30 minutes of each other in the same area could be linked.

The first happened in Eccleston Street, Newtown, at about 2.20pm on Sunday. A 53-year-old woman who was walking along the street when two men ran at her from behind and one of them grabbed her bag.

The victim described the man who grabbed her bag as white, slim build, aged 20 years.

The second incident happened just 30 minutes later in nearby Exeter Street. This time the victim was a 74-year-old woman.

She described the thief as white, 5ft 5in tall, slim build, with dark, short hair, aged 18-20 years. He was wearing a dark blue sweatshirt and trousers.

DS Tommy Wright, said: "We believe these two incidents could be linked due to the timescale and the fact that both occurred close to each other."

Anyone who may can help can contact DC Mal Van Schaick at St Helens CID on 0151 777 6064, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.