Police hunt after double robbery

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Two women were robbed within half an hour of each other on Friday (8 May).

Just before 9.00am, a 42-year-old woman was walking along Parkfields Flats towards Wood Street.

She saw a man tying his shoelaces, who then walked past her. The woman and this man then carried on walking towards Burton Street.

The man then walked round to the back of the Middleton Shopping Centre.

The victim meanwhile walked along Wood Street and went round the back of the Barclays bank branch, before walking through the subway on Long Street.

At this point the man came back into view, ran at the victim and wrestled her handbag from her shoulder.

The bag was later found dumped on Cemetery Street.

Shortly afterwards, at about 9.15am, a second victim, a 20-year-old woman, was walking on Long Street opposite the Middleton Day Centre.

The offender covered his eyes with sunglasses and again snatched the victim's handbag. He ran off with it into Jubilee Park, into the cemetery.

This bag was found near the cemetery.

In both cases, the offender is described as being a white man in his late teens, wearing a grey top and dark tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Constable Tim O'Callaghan said: "Although nothing appeared to be taken from either bag this was a terrifying experience for the victims.

"Clearly the offender felt untouchable after managing to snatch the first bag, and we need to make sure that he does not feel above the law.

"There is every chance that one theft took place straight after the other. We are appealing to anyone who may have seen something to get in touch.

"It is odd that someone was wearing sunglasses on a cloudy day, so maybe people will remember that."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8632 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.