Police investing two late-night attacks on women in Hobart suburb of Sandy Bay

POLICE are searching for a bag snatcher who injured two women in Sandy Bay.

A young woman was mugged while waiting at a bus stop at Churchill Avenue in Sandy Bay. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

POLICE are searching for a bag snatcher who injured two women in Sandy Bay.

An 18-year-old woman was left with a cut under her eye and facial scratches after being mugged while waiting for a bus in Sandy Bay on Thursday night.

Police said the woman was assaulted and robbed of her backpack.

The incident happened about 11pm, not long after an attempted robbery of a 59-year-old woman in Duke St.

Police believe the two offences are linked.

Detective Inspector Ian Whish-Wilson speaking to reporters about the muggings in Sandy Bay. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

The young woman was attacked while waiting for a bus on Churchill Avenue, near the University of Tasmania book store.

The attacker stole her backpack after knocking her to the ground and dragging her a short distance, police said.

The 59-year-old woman was approached by a man who attempted to grab her shoulder bag, which caused her to fall to the ground.

She kept hold of the bag but sustained a minor injury to her right arm. The victim managed to walk to the home she was staying at in Sandy Bay.

Police said the offender was believed to have run off towards the Regent St end of Duke St.

The man police are looking for is described as in his late 20s to early 30s, tall and wearing a grey hooded top and blue jeans. The investigation continues.

Anyone with information should call Hobart CIB on 61732618, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Police investing two late-night attacks on women in Hobart suburb of Sandy Bay