A BIKE-riding robber is being hunted after striking twice in Lancaster city centre.

The woman rides up to people on her bicycle and snatches handbags before cycling away at speed.

She snatched a bag from the hand of a 46-year-old woman on Sunday, October 9, and tried to steal from a 19-year-old student late last Tuesday night.

But the student, who was at the corner of Moor Lane and Brewery Lane managed to hold on to the bag.

"We want to reassure people that Lancaster is a very safe city - but we are anxious to apprehend this woman," says DS Sean Carthy.

Lancaster police crime prevention officer PC Phil Corris adds: "If you are walking with someone keep the bag in a position between you both which makes it difficult to snatch. If someone does snatch your bag let it go, bags and contents can be replaced you can't."

The robber is described as being a white woman in her early 20s with short mousy hair.