PENSIONERS throughout Bolton were today warned to be on the alert after a spate of handbag snatches by thugs in cars.

A 73-year-old woman was the latest victim after she was targeted as she walked along Church Road, Kearsley, yesterday.

The pensioner was approached from behind by a man in a vehicle who jumped out, grabbed her bag and then drove off.

The woman was not injured but was left upset and shaken by the attack.

Witnesses to the robbery shortly before 11.30am say the thief was driving a J reg red Vauxhall Astra.

There has been at least 10 similar incidents over recent weeks across Bolton and surrounding towns.

Last Saturday, a 74-year-old woman was thrown to the floor after an attacker in a car snatched her handbag in the Haulgh, on the outskirts of the town centre.

She suffered a minor head wound after she fought with the mugger in Bradford Park Drive.

The man fled into a waiting blue car, believed to be a Ford Escort, and sped off towards Radcliffe Road.

Police are warning elderly people to be extra vigilant when they are out and about in Bolton.

Det Con Steven Mahon of Bolton CID said: "Elderly people need to be cautious particularly if they have been to the post office or the bank.

"The woman was not injured this time but was left very shocked."

The thief in this latest robbery was white, aged about 30, 5ft 11ins and had short blond hair.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated in confidence. BOLTON DOCTOR HELPS CHILD IN JET DRAMA AT 30,000ft 14

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