TWO women were robbed as they walked alone in Atherton.

The first incident happened at 3.40am on Sunday, June 2, when a 49-year-old woman who was walking along Larch Grove was approached from behind by two men.

One of them was holding an orange plastic BB gun and demanded she gave them her handbag.

She gave it to them and the men ran off in the direction of Brierfield Avenue.

Later that night, at about 10.15pm, a 46-year-old woman was walking in Hillside Avenue when she heard footsteps from behind.

As she turned, she noticed a man was walking behind her so slowed down to let him walk past her.

She was grabbed by the shoulder and forced to the floor before the mugger stole her handbag and ran down an alleyway that led to the Hag Fold estate.

The two men from the first robbery are white, slim and were wearing grey hooded tops with the hoods pulled down to cover their faces.

One was about 5ft 7in tall, the other 5ft 5in tall and both spoke with local accents.

The man in the second robbery was wearing a grey hooded top.

Det Con Darren Reid said: “Due to the similarities in descriptions of the offenders and the close proximity of both crimes, we believe that the incidents are linked.

“Fortunately both victims were not hurt, but they have been left affected by what happened and their confidence has been knocked.

"In the case of the second robbery, the victim was physically forced to the floor.

“I would urge anyone who is walking on their own, particularly at that time of night or morning, to be aware of their surroundings and try to stick to areas that are well lit.

"I would always advise to walk in a group or order a taxi so you do not put yourself in a potentially vulnerable position."

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8567426 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.