POLICE believe that two bag snatches in Leigh are linked.

In the latest incident, a 19-year-old woman was waiting for a bus on Kirkhall Lane when a man, riding a bike, approached her from behind at 9.10am on Thursday, June 5.

He tried to grab her handbag but was not able to pull it from her shoulder.

He cycled towards Atherleigh Way before he turned round and cycled past her towards Westleigh Lane.

It comes a week after a 33-year-old woman was walking to work on Henrietta Street at around 8.55am on May 29 when the man approached her from behind.

He grabbed her bag and forced it from her hand before riding off in the direction of Bold Street.

The offender is described as being between 5ft 5in and 6ft tall, of thin build and wore a dark grey hooded top with the hood up.

He rode a dark coloured BMX bike with a three spoke rear wheel.

Police Con Kat Tyldesley from Leigh INPT said: "The bike used on both occasions and the method the man used leads us to believe the same person is responsible for both.

"The bike and rear wheel are distinctive and I would ask anyone who may have witnessed either crime or recognise the descriptions to contact police.

"I would also ask the community, particularly women, to be vigilant and ensure they are aware of their surroundings."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7225 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.