A 23-year-old woman was assaulted by a man while she walked along Botanic Avenue at around 6:30pm on Tuesday 16^th February. A man grabbed her, pulled her into Ireton Street and stole her purse. The victim received minor injuries during the struggle.

Shortly after 6:30pm another woman was robbed of her purse in Fitzroy Avenue by a man matching the same description as the previous woman’s attacker. The woman received no injuries.

Similar incidents have occurred since, however the victims have not yet made statements to the police. A police spokesperson has stated that these robberies are believed to be linked and three men have been charged in connection with both incidents.

BY KERRI-ANNE CAMPBELL