A ROBBERY duo thought to be preying on elderly shoppers are on the run from police.

Peter Ellis and Lorna Walker are suspected of carrying out four robberies in Bolton and Farnworth.

They are also suspected of committing three robberies in the Stretford Mall in Manchester.

The pair are thought to target elderly women and vulnerable adults in public places.

One of them distracts the victim while the other usually grabs the victim's handbag or shopping bag.

The thefts happened in December and January. 

Police want to speak with Ellis, aged 45, of no fixed abode and Walker, aged 34, of St Bernard's Avenue, Pendleton.

They have known links to Cheetham Hill, Crumpsall, Stretford and Bolton, police said.

Det Sgt Darren Wiggans said: “We are concerned that it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt during one of these robberies.

“The type of people they target mean that it would not be difficult for one of their victims to fall in the act of protecting their property and seriously injure themselves.

“I am warning the public to be vigilant against this pair and to keep their belongings safe when out shopping.”

Anybody with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.