POLICE believe four robberies on different elderly women across Bolton could be the work of one man.

The victims, who were aged between 65 and 83, were robbed in Harwood, Farnworth and Astley Bridge between October 20 and 23.

The first took place at the Asda store in Brackley Street, Farnworth, at around 3.45pm last Sunday.

The passenger of a white car snatched the bag of a 73-year-old woman. She was shaken but not injured in the incident.

The second occurred at the Safeway store in Lea Gate, Harwood, at around 4pm last Saturday.

A white G-registered car pulled up alongside a woman and the passenger grabbed her bag before the car sped off.

On Monday, a passenger in a car grabbed a bag belonging to a 74-year-old woman as she walked across the car park at the Asda store at Astley Bridge at around 6.30 pm.

The latest incident took place in Bramdean Avenue, Harwood, just before 10.20am on Tuesday.

A cream car, possibly an old style Ford Escort, pulled up alongside an 83-year-old woman and the passenger dragged her to the ground and stole her handbag.

The pensioner suffered minor head injuries and a dislocated shoulder.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who has seen a White Ford Orion registration number G819 TTS in the areas or who knows who has used this vehicle since October 20.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "We believe the incidents could be linked and the same vehicle could have been used in each of the robberies.

"We are keen to speak to any witnesses who saw what happened or the car involved."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Astley Bridge CID on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.