A MUGGER who has been targeting elderly women in a Boscombe street is a "dangerous man" who needs locking up, say police.

Three elderly women have now been attacked and their handbags stolen as they walked along Sea Road and police believe the same offender is responsible in each case.

One incident happened on April 26, another on April 29 and the most recent on Sunday when a woman in her seventies is thought to have suffered a broken hip when the robber snatched her handbag and dragged her to the floor.

DS Steve Thorpe of Bournemouth CID said the police are keen to warn other elderly people living nearby and passing through Sea Road to be on their guard.

"He is a dangerous guy and he wants locking up," he said.

"The description is reasonably similar in these cases. There is no specific time of day when these incidents have happened but the common denominator is where these people have been and where they are going to."

The man has been described as white, aged between 19 and 25 and was last seen wearing a blue anorak.

DS Thorpe warned elderly residents: "Be very, very mindful of how you carry your handbags and how much money you carry in it.

"Old ladies who get hurt and break bones can die as a result of their injuries and shock. The consequences of what happens from an incident like this can be far greater. Luckily the situation so far hasn't reached such a serious outcome."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Craig Travers on 01202 222114 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.