Drivers are being urged to be vigilant after car jackers targeted two lone women in the space of 24 hours.

Police in Stretford are now investigating whether the same gang is responsible for both crimes.

The first incident happened at about 4.50am on Tuesday when a woman was robbed of her car.

The victim, 47, was parked at traffic lights on Brooklands Road in Sale when a maroon coloured car pulled up in front of her silver Fiat Punto.

A man got out and opened the woman's door, demanding the victim get out. When she refused, she grabbed the keys from the ignition to stop him from stealing them.

A second man then got out of the maroon-coloured car and put what appeared to be a gun to her head. A third man then appeared and bundled her out of the car and drive off in it.

The men are described as black and in their mid 20s wearing dark clothing and face coverings.

The second incident happened at about 00.15am on Wednesday near Manor Avenue, Sale.

The 26-year-old woman had just left work in her Mini Cooper when she noticed a red Ford Focus behind her. This car followed her to her home, and when she parked up the car pulled up in front of her and three men got out.

They started banging on the doors and shouting for the victim to get out but she refused. After failing to forcibly open the doors, the gang got back into their Ford Focus and drove off.

Detectives in Stretford are now appealing to anyone who has information about both crimes to come forward and are asking drivers, particularly lone women, to be especially vigilant.

Detective Constable Andy Kettle said: "Both these women were absolutely petrified to be confronted by these men who were extremely intimidating and in the first instance, the victim was physically manhandled and they stole her car.

"Based on the close proximity and timing of the offences, we are investigating the possibility the same gang is responsible for both incidents so we are appealing to anyone in the community who has information that will help us take these people off the streets and stop them from targeting anyone else.

"They are clearly dangerous and need to be brought to book.

"It is also extremely important that drivers, particularly women who are out driving late at night on their own, are vigilant. Always keep your car doors locked and your windows up at all times, no matter what the weather is like, as this will provide an immediate deterrent."

Anyone with information is asked to call Stretford CID on 0161 856 7671 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.