Bag Snatch Spree Hits Ashford: Three Women Targeted in Morning Attacks
Ashford has been rocked by a series of handbag robberies this morning, with three women targeted in quick succession. Police are on the hunt for a man behind all three attacks, which left one victim injured and another shaken up.
Alleyway Grab Attempt Foiled
At around 7.40am near Heathfield Estate, a woman in her 40s was walking along an alley next to canterbury/" title="Canterbury" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Canterbury Road when a man tried to snatch her handbag. She held tight, and the suspect fled empty-handed towards the estate.
Violent Snatch in Cemetery Lane
Minutes later, around 8am, a woman in her 70s walking down Cemetery Lane near the M20 Junction 9 cycle path was targeted. A man passed her, then doubled back and tried to grab her bag. Despite her struggle, he pulled her to the ground, leaving her with grazed knees and elbows. Luckily, nothing was stolen.
Cash and Cards Stolen in Bockhanger Lane Robbery
At 10.20am, another woman in her late 70s was mugged in Bockhanger Lane. The attacker got away with her bag containing cash, keys, and cards. Though uninjured, she was visibly shaken. The suspect ran off towards Grosvenor Road.
Police Seek Help as Suspect Roams Ashford
All incidents happened in the same Ashford area. Witnesses describe the suspect as around 5ft 6in, in his 20s, wearing a black hooded top and jogging bottoms. Strangely, police received mixed reports on his ethnicity — described as Asian in the Canterbury Road case, but black in the others.
kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="6849">Kent Police urge anyone with info or footage from CCTV, doorbells, or dashcams in these locations to come forward.
Contact details:
- Kent Police: 01843 222289 (quote references 03-0177, 03-0567, 03-0335)
- Crimestoppers (anonymous): 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org
