Attacker of elderly 'could kill' next time

Detectives have warned that a man who has attacked seven elderly women in Cwmbran, south Wales, could kill next time.

Gwent Police believe that the same man has been responsible for all the incidents reported - and they have issued a warning that he has to be caught before someone is killed.

Police have released an impression of the attacker

In the latest incident, a 76-year-old woman walking her dog was targeted on a footpath near the Halfway House in Commercial Street.

The attacker threw her to the ground and stamped on her chest when she refused to let go of her handbag.

The pensioner, who has just had a triple heart bypass, finally relented and he ran off with her bag in the direction of Commercial Street.

She had to be treated for broken ribs and a bruised arm.

He has to be stopped before someone is more seriously injured or even worse killed

DS Jim Loughlin

Six similar attacks - on women aged between 60 and 79 - have been reported since 12 June.

Gwent Police said they were looking for a male aged between 16 and 18 with short dark hair. He was very well-dressed and had a clean-shaven appearance.

On 27 June, a 79-year-old woman suffered a broken hip when she was pushed over in a subway leading under Fairwater Way as her shopping bag was stolen.

Detective Sergeant Jim Loughlin, at Cwmbran police station, said: "This is a very dangerous man who needs to be caught immediately

Confident

"He has to be stopped before someone is more seriously injured or even worse killed."

Detective Inspector Paul Evans said he was confident the incidents would be solved with help from the public.

He urged elderly women not to panic, but warned them to be on their guard.

"I would ask women in particular to be extra vigilant when walking alone, and to ensure that any elderly relatives are also given appropriate security advice," he said.