Elderly victims have been targeted in a string of calous street robberies around Tulse Hill and West Norwood.

Police believe just one robber could be responsible for the thefts, and are warning the elderly community to stay alert.

The most recent incident saw a robber, a black male aged between 23 and 30, snatch a handbag belonging to an 80-year-old woman at 2.35pm, on September 10, in Lansdowne Hill.

On September 9, a 75-year-old woman had her handbag stolen in Probyn Road at about 7.40pm. The robber was described as black, aged about 30 and 5 ft 6ins, wearing a dark shirt, white trousers and a white hat.

A 70-year-old man had has his briefcase stolen as he walked near Robson Road on Monday, August 16, at about 9.10pm.

Safer neighbourhoods inspector, Nick Fallowfield, said: “It is possible that this is the work of just one person. If anyone has any suspicions as to whom this suspect is then please get in touch.”

He added: “Furthermore, I urge our elderly community to be aware of their surroundings and to call police if they think a potential suspect is approaching them. In addition, do seek the assistance from other members of the public and call loudly for ‘help’.”

Last month, a terminally-ill man was thrown from his wheelchair in Lakeview Road by callous robbers who held a knife to his throat as they stole just £2.

Anyone with information should call Lambeth police's robbery squad on 0208 649 2439 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.