A woman in her 60s was robbed of her bag before the suspect fled empty-handed after targeting another woman minutes later.

Police say they are investigating the robbery and attempted robbery which took place in Potters Bar on Thursday evening (March 10).

Hertfordshire Constabulary says both incidents happened near the Tesco Express store in Mutton Lane at around 8pm.

The first victim - a woman in her 60s - was walking home in Auckland Road, near the junction with Cambridge Drive, when she put some shopping bags on the floor.

Police say a man has then barged into her and grabbed one of the bags and run off down Cambridge Drive in the direction of Mimms Hall Road.

Detectives say a second report was received that between 8.15pm and 8.20pm, a woman walking home from Tesco was approached in Mimms Hall Road.

The man grabbed her handbag and tried to pull it away but the victim - in her 40s - held on and screamed.

The suspect tried to pull the bag from her again but the woman continued to scream prompting her attacker to flee without the bag.

Police say the suspect is described as white, around 30-years-old and around 5 foot 10 inches in height. He was wearing a grey hoodie and smoking a cigarette.

Detective Constable Erik Gale, from the Hertsmere local crime unit, said: "Our enquiries are continuing at this time, and I am appealing for anyone who saw the incident, or who may have seen the suspect in the area around the time, to please make contact.

"I’m also keen to hear from anyone else who may have information about the incident, I would also like to reassure residents that we have increased our patrols in the area and are actively seeking the suspect."

Anyone with information can email DC Gale at Erik.Gale@herts.police.uk and quote crime reference 41/19645/22.

Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.