Police are now hunting the serial mugger, who rides up to his victims on a bike and then drags them to the ground as he snatches their handbags.

Extra police patrols are being mounted in the Bretton, Paston and Dogsthorpe areas where all of the attacks have been reported.

The string of robberies, believed to be committed by a white man, aged 16 to 20, riding a bicycle and wearing a dark hooded top, began on April 3 and the last two were reported yesterday.

In the latest incidents, a 54-year-old woman was approached from behind by a youth on a bike in Lavender Crescent, Dogsthorpe, at 12.30pm yesterday.

He pushed her into the road before wrenching her handbag from her grasp and cycling off.

And a second woman in her 50s was again approached by a youth on a bike who pulled her to the ground and snatched her handbag at just after 1pm in Benland, Bretton.

The first woman was not injured but the second woman was seriously injured and was taken to Peterborough District Hospital.

Detective Inspector Jon McAdam said: "Due to the similarity of these crimes and the description of the offender, we believe they may all be linked. The victims have mostly been women over the age of 50, but there was one victim who was 24.

"I would also urge women to be vigilant, and try not to carry handbags or purses on show."

Councillor David Sanders, who is a member of the police authority, said today: "Clearly these attacks have caused the victims huge trauma."
n Call police on 0845 456 456 with any information.