Police have arrested a woman on suspicion of carrying out a series of attacks on elderly men in Chippenham and Corsham.

The woman, 47, who lives in Rudloe, is believed to have mental health problems.

She was arrested after three pensioners were assaulted over five days.

The attacks were unprovoked.

The first attack took place outside Sainsbury’s in Bath Road, Chippenham, on July 24; the second took place outside the Four Seasons in Chippenham High Street on July 28 and the third attack took place outside the Co-op in the Martingate Centre on July 29.

The men, who are said to be recovering well, were left with puncture wounds to their backs and, in one instance, the cheek.

The woman has been charged with three counts of actual bodily harm.

She is being held on remand while mental health assessments are conducted, and Wiltshire Police are keen to hear from witnesses or from other victims.

DC Jo Tidmarsh of Melksham CID said the woman had been using a kind of small, sharp implement.

He added: “We would like to reassure the public that these are very unusual and rare incidents.”

DC Tidmarsh added police believe another victim may have been assaulted outside Sainbury’s on July 28 and would like to hear from him.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Tidmarsh at Melksham Police Station on 0845 408 7000.