ELDERLY people were today warned not to battle with bag-snatchers after three pensioners were attacked within hours of each other near Darwen town centre.

Police fear a gang of robbers may be behind the crimes which have left the victims deeply distressed.

In one incident, a 77-year-old woman was left lying on the ground after a youth came up behind her and stole her shopping bag, which contained cash and goods worth £63.

The theft took place in an alley behind London Terrace at around 3.30pm on Thursday.

The thief was white, 5ft 4ins and in his late teens. He wore a bright orange shirt with the cuffs unbuttoned.

An hour earlier, a man with a similar description, but wearing a white tracksuit top and blue jeans, robbed a 76-year-old woman in nearby Sudellside Street. He came up behind her and twisted her arm as he wrenched her purse, containing £15, out of her hand. At 10am an 80-year-old woman walking along Prince Street was asked the time by a man who then grabbed her bag containing £70 in cash and goods.

The man, who was white and around 5ft 10ins tall, ran off towards the town centre.

Detective Constable Marshall Seddon said: "These are cruel attacks on defenceless people.

"The offenders, who may well be working together, may become violent if they do not get what they want.

"Elderly people who find themselves victims should hand over whatever they have so that they do not get hurt."

DC Seddon urged pensioners not to carry more money than necessary when leaving home.

Anyone with information should call Darwen police on 01254 701777.

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