POLICE investigating two early morning robberies in Barry are appealing for potential witnesses

Two women have reported being robbed as they walked home in the early hours of the morning and officers, who say the two incidents are linked, believe passing motorists or nearby residents could provide vital information.

The first incident occurred at approximately 1am on Friday, April 21, as the woman walked along Gladstone Road in the direction of the Tynewydd Road junction.

Shortly after crossing at the zebra crossing, she noticed a man running towards her.

As he approached her, the man pushed the victim to the floor before grabbing her handbag, which contained her phone and cash, and making off with it.

The man is described white, approximately 5ft 7in and of skinny build with long dark hair.

Some 48 hours later, at approximately 1.45am on Sunday, April 23 a second woman was grabbed from behind as she walked along Tydfil Street towards Gladstone Road.

The woman attempted to fight back before running away from her attacker.

She later discovered a quantity of cash had been stolen from her pocket.

Detective inspector Terry Hopkins said: !Given the nature of the incidents and the vicinity in which they occurred, we do believe the incidents are linked, but we are keeping an open mind.

"Despite the incidents happening in the early hours of the morning, it is highly likely that a passing motorist or someone living in the area will have seen something that could assist with our enquiries.

"These were awful crimes that have left both victims feeling frightened and vulnerable, and I would urge anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or who has any information which could help us identify the perpetrator to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 1700150515.