Two elderly women were knocked to the ground by a robber who snatched their handbags in Iffley.

The victims, aged 75 and 77, were walking along an alleyway between Abberbury Road and Bears Hedge, heading towards the bus stop on Iffley Turn when they were attacked.

A man approached the women from behind and grabbed their handbags. A struggle ensued, and both women fell to the ground.

The man ran off with both the handbags, which the victims discovered at the mouth of the alleyway a short while later, with their purses missing.

Police said the women sustained minor cuts and bruising in the incident, but were not seriously injured.

The robbery happened between 2pm and 2.30pm on Tuesday.

The man is described as white, 6ft tall, slim, with a local accent. He was wearing a bright blue anorak, dark trousers, and possibly a black knitted beanie-style hat.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery, recognises the description of the offender, or has any information should contact Det Sgt Pauline Heilbron or Det Con Tom Mansfield at the Oxford Robbery Team on 0845 8 505 505.

If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.