DETECTIVES investigating violent robberies which left two elderly women with horrific injuries have renewed their appeal for help from the public.

A 91-year-old woman suffered a broken pelvis after being knocked to the ground and an 86-year-old woman was rushed to hospital with a broken shoulder and severely swollen face after the attacks in The Avenue in Poole in June.

Police hope to track down a handbag belonging to one of the victims, which is a tan-coloured leather Radley bag with a small leather Scotty Dog-shaped tag attached to it.

The bag contained a black and white photograph of the victim's mother.

DC Jo Shewbridge of Bournemouth and Poole CID urged residents in the Branksome Park area to check their gardens for discarded personal items and to report anything found to the police.

Crimestoppers are offering a reward to members of the public who call 0800 555 111 with information which leads to the arrest and charge of an offender.

Witnesses to the robberies on June 27 and 28, or those with information, can also call Dorset Police in confidence on 101.

· A man arrested on suspicion of the offences has since been released without charge.