POLICE have launched an investigation after four women, walking alone on the streets of west Hull, were robbed at knifepoint.
On each occasion the victims had their handbags stolen and two men are suspected to be behind the attacks.
Police have now warned women to try to avoid walking alone after dark.
The first attack happened at 8.10pm on Friday, January 2, in Cambridge Road.
A 55-year-old woman was approached by two unknown men – one allegedly threatening her with a knife. One man pushed her to the ground before they both ran off with her handbag.
The second incident happened at about 10.45pm on Friday, January 9, close to Goodwin Club on Walker Street.
A 28-year-old woman was walking through the park when she was approached from behind by an unknown man.
He threatened her with a knife before she handed over her bag. The culprit left with the bag before meeting up with a second man at the end of the street.
The third attack happened between 5.30pm and 6.10pm on Saturday, in Great Thornton Street. A 24-year-old woman was walking near a block of flats when she noticed two men near a phone box.
One man approached her, and holding a knife, demanded she handed her handbag over. Fearing for her safety, she did.
The final attack happened between 5.30pm and 6.08pm on Sunday at the junction of Grosvenor Street and Wellington Lane.
A 37-year-old woman was walking alone when an unknown man ran up behind her and demanded she hand over her bag. Following a tussle, a second man approached her with a knife and she handed her bag over.
Detectives believe the attacks are linked.
A spokesman for Humberside Police said: "None of the victims were hurt in the robberies.
"The four crimes are similar in nature and detectives believe they may be linked.
"Police are reminding the public to always consider their personal safety and ideally try not to walk alone, especially after dark."
The main offender has been described as white, aged between 18 and 29, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 10ins, with a medium build.
Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101, quoting 2091188.
