POLICE have linked two robberies in Old Trafford in which the raider purposely fell off his bike in front of unsuspecting victims before demanding they hand over cash.

The first incident took place at around 6.45pm on Thursday, October 23 as a 66-year-old man and his partner walked along Seymour Grove.

A man rode by and fell off his bike in front of them. He became aggressive and demanded they hand over personal items, before both were searched.

Money was handed over before the offender rode off.

The second incident was at 5pm on Monday, November 3 as an 89-year-old man was walking in Seymour Grove.

Again, a man riding a bike fell off and blamed the victim. He demanded money before he punched the man in the face. He then apologised before riding off with the cash.

The offender is described as black, in his mid 20s to early 30s, around 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall and spoke with a Jamaican accent.

Detective Constable Stuart Brown said: “These two robberies are clearly linked as the technique is identical.

“The man will fall off his bike, accuse his victim of causing the fall and then rob them.

“Although both incidents have taken place as it has become dark, we still believe there would have been a number of people on this road at the time.

“We have managed to obtain a CCTV image of a man we would like to talk to. If you recognise him, please call us. I would also appeal to the man directly himself to come forward so we can eliminate you from our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 7691 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.