A KNIFE wielding thug grabbed a 71-year-old woman by the throat and slashed her handbag off her shoulder - all for the sake of £3.

Minutes later, the thief grabbed a

66-year-old woman and demanded money.

Detectives have now warned elderly people, particularly women, to be on their guard until the robber is caught. They believe the same man is responsible for both attacks.

The first victim was walking along Green Lane, Farnworth, on Wednesday at around 4.25pm when a man crept up behind her.

He put his hand around her throat, forced her to the ground and brandished a knife.

The attacker used the blade to cut the strap of the woman's handbag from her shoulder and ran off, leaving her lying on the ground.

The woman's bag was later recovered nearby and only £3 has been taken.

At around 4.40pm, the second victim was walking in Grant Street, Farnworth, when she was also approached from behind. The man grabbed her and screamed for to hand over money but he escaped empty-handed.

Sgt Ian Coop from Bolton Police said: "These were two very nasty incidents involving elderly and vulnerable women that could have ended up more serious than they were.

This man showed that he was prepared to use threats and intimidation to get what he wanted.

"Due to the close proximity of the two incidents and the similar descriptions, we believe the same offender is responsible.

"We need to catch him before he strikes again and I would urge everyone to be vigilant."

Both woman gave good descriptions of their attackers.

He was white, aged between 18 and early 20s and between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 8ins. The man was wearing a blue baseball cap with a white stripe on it, blue jeans and a blue padded jacket.

Call the Robbery Unit on 0161 856 5609 or Crimestoppers if you have any information about the attack in Green Lane quoting Crime reference 143262M/04 or about Grant Street quoting 143041E/04.