Four attacks on elderly women

She was the fourth woman to fall victim of an aggressive mugging in just seven days.

The woman was walking her dog in the alleyway between Whit-worth Road and Fairford Crescent when she was approached by a man asking for money or cigarettes.

When she told him she did not have any he grabbed her wrists and started touching her pockets to check them.

There was a struggle and the woman was left with scratch marks on her right wrist.

The incident happened between 4.15 and 4.30pm on Friday, February 18. The man is described as white, 30-35-years-old, of medium build, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 9ins with short black hair combed back.

He was wearing blue jeans and a blue jumper with a red top underneath.

Earlier on Friday an 81-year-old woman was left unconscious in the street after being knocked over by someone who snatched her bag.

The woman, who walks with a stick, needed stitches for a cut to her head after the attack near Essex Walk in Walcot.

On Saturday, February 12, a 60-year-old woman was punched in the face by a man trying to steal her handbag in Eldene.

She managed to fight him off by hitting him with a bag of crockery she was taking to a friend's house.

After the incident WPC Kate Platton said: "She did not let go of the handbag.

"During the attack she was punched twice to her face and pushed by her neck against a garden fence.

"She was able to strike the male to the face with the bag of crockery and also bit him on the left lower forearm.

"Throughout the incident she screamed for help.

"She is now very shook up, scared and intimidated.

"She is absolutely petrified and too afraid to leave her own home."

The next day a 68-year-old woman was knocked over by a man who took her handbag on Shrivenham Road.

Swindon Police have not said whether they believe any of the incidents are connected.

Anyone with any information about any of the incidents should contact Swindon Police on 01793 528111 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Isabel Field