An 80-year-old woman was pulled to her knees by a man who ripped her bag from her shoulder in Downend.

In a second mugging in the same street, a 94-year-old had her handbag stolen.

Police are appealing for information about a silver people carrier used in the muggings which was found on the Oldbury Court estate in Fishponds a short time later.

Both attacks happened on Tuesday morning in Downend Road.

The first attack on the 80-year-old happened between 11am and 11.15am.

Seeing what happened, a passer-by chased the mugger, who dropped the bag. It was then returned to the victim.

The pensioner was taken to hospital after suffering grazes and bruising, and police say she was shocked and distressed by the robbery.

Shortly afterwards a 94-year-old woman was targeted while waiting at a bus stop in the same street.

A man grabbed her bag from her trolley before being driven away in a silver people carrier.

The woman was uninjured but was upset by the theft.

Police officers later found a silver people carrier abandoned in Goffenton Drive, Oldbury Court. The stolen bag was recovered in bushes nearby.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Tom Williams said: “We’d like to thank the members of the public who stepped in to help both of these ladies, and who have given us statements about what happened. It’s clear the community here will stand up for vulnerable people.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone else with information which could help our investigation, especially who may have seen the vehicle or the bag being abandoned in the Goffenton Drive area.”

A man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of robbery and theft and later released under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 and give the crime reference number 5217 203 134.

Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.