TWO elderly women were targeted by thieves in Halliwell.

The first incident happened at sheltered housing accommodation in Blake Gardens at around 1.35pm when a sneak thief got into one of the flats, stealing three handbags, one of which contained £60 in cash and a Nokia mobile phone.

He was disturbed by a 77-year-old woman and fled.

Police think there may be a link between that burglary and another which happened at sheltered housing in West Park later in the day, between 6pm and 6.45pm.

The thief gained access and stole £100 from the purse of a 79-year-old woman before making off.

A police spokesman said: "These are nasty thefts against vulnerable people and we would appeal for anybody who saw anything to come forward with information."

The man is white, in his mid 20s, around 5ft 10ins, stocky, with short dark hair and a round face. A man matching this description was seen walking along Danesway Court, Halliwell, around 1pm on the same day.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 0963 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.