A 90-year-old woman has had her bag snatched by a man on a bike.

The incident occurred between 10am and 10.30am on Monday in Colebrook Lane, Loughton.

The pensioner, from Loughton, was approached by a man on a bike who then grabbed her bag, containing her phone, and made off with it.

In an earlier incident a 42-year-old Loughton woman was walking in Torrington Drive, Loughton, near the junction with Cassis court when a man on a bike tried to grab her bag at around 8.30am the same day.

She fell to the floor but the suspect was unsuccessful.

Both women were shocked but unhurt.

Police are appealing for information about the incidents and anyone can call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.