A robber grabbed carrier bag containing cash and banks cards from a woman as she walked down an alley.

The thief struck as the 70-year-old was walking between Northdown Road and Caroline Square in Margate between 12.45pm and 1.03pm on Sunday.

She grazed her knees after falling on to them when he grabbed the pink bag.

The man is between 5ft 4ins and 5ft 6ins tall, of slight build and was wearing a black balaclava, a dark top, dark trousers and dark shoes.

Officers are also investigating a second robbery which took place on the same day in the town.

A woman in her 60s was walking her dog in Addington Street, Margate, between 6pm and 6.15pm when a man approached her from behind and grabbed her handbag, also causing her to fall to the ground. The victim suffered cuts and bruises.

The suspect escaped with the bag along an alleyway near to Churchfield Place.

The stolen bag is described as a Cath Kidston bag in a dark colour with a floral pattern.

It contained a number of items including a mobile phone and a purse with cash and cards.

The suspect is around 5ft 8ins tall, stocky build and had blond hair.

He was aged in his late 20s or early 30s. He was wearing black trousers and a black coat. The coat had a thick yellow stripe down the arms and around the waist.

Investigating officer DC Steve East said: "Although both robberies took place on the same day, we are keeping an open mind as to whether they may be linked.

"Thankfully neither victim was seriously injured when their bags were taken.

"If anyone has any information which could help our investigations, I ask them to get in touch as soon as possible."

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the first robbery and saw anything suspicious is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/2865/17.

Anyone with information about the second robbery is asked to call police on the above number quoting ZY/2868/17.