Devizes police have appealed for help from the community after two women were victims of attempted bag snatches in two days.

The first incident was in Brickley Lane, at the junction with Bricksteed Avenue, at 3.20pm on Saturday when a 65-year-old woman was walking home.

As she passed the junction a man leapt out and grabbed the strap of her handbag. She clung on to the bag and her assailant fled empty-handed.

Back home, she told her son about her ordeal and they drove around town trying to spot the attacker.

The woman, who was recovering from a period of ill health, was severely shocked but unhurt. She has asked not to be identified.

Her husband told the Gazette: “She was just getting back her confidence to go into town on her own and then this happens.

“She has been knocked right back by this. Whoever did this has done her a lot of damage. I hope the police can catch him before someone else goes through it.”

The second attack was on a woman in The Brittox about 3.45pm on Monday.

Again, the victim held on to her handbag and the man ran off.

Acting inspector Andy Peach from Devizes police said: “These attacks took place in broad daylight when other people must have been about.

“Incidents like this in Devizes are very rare and to have two of them in two days is worrying. Thankfully neither victim was hurt but the man could strike again.

“We would appeal to anyone who saw these attacks to contact us.”

Despite The Brittox attack taking place in view of CCTV cameras, nothing has so far shown up on the video tapes.

Police have asked to see CCTV footage at Sainsbury’s where it is thought the man was seen before the attack.

They are also trying to contact the victim in The Brittox attack, who they know only as Pam, a regular customer at the White Bear in Monday Market Street.

The man in the Brickley Lane incident, who has not been ruled out of the other attack, is described as white about 5ft 6in, of thin build and wearing grubby white trousers and a dark, plain long-sleeved hoody.

Devizes police can be contacted on 0845 408 7000 or information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Acting inspector Peach said there would be increased patrols around town in light of the attacks. Working on intelligence leads, he was confident of an quick arrest.