A WOMAN had her handbag stolen by a robber who threatened to stab her with a hypodermic needle.

The 39-year-old victim was walking along Newport Street towards Bolton Town Hall at around 6.30am on Wednesday when she was approached by a man on bicycle.

He tried to engage her in conversation before riding off. He then returned moments later and blocked her path.

The robber then produced a four-inch hypodermic needle and threatened the victim with it, demanding she hand over her handbag.

The man then stole the bag, containing a mobile phone, credit cards and keys, and headed off in the direction of Great Moor Street.

He is described as white, in his early 20s, of slight build, with a pasty complexion. He was wearing a light coloured baseball cap and a dark coloured jacket.

And police are hunting a thief who snatched a woman's handbag from her shoulder.

The woman was walking along Grey Street in Halliwell at around 9.20am on Wednesday when a man approached her from behind and snatched her handbag.

He is described as white, in his mid 20s, slim, with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a light grey jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

Anybody with any information or who recognises the descriptions is asked to call police on 0161 856 0963 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111.