FOUR women had their bags snatched in a series of robberies around Glasgow.

Police are investigating whether the incidents are linked and said the lone women had been left "in a state of shock" after being punched in the face or pushed to the ground.

The first robbery occurred at 3.30pm in Beaconsfield Road on Tuesday when a 22-year-old woman had her bag stolen. She suffered a minor injury but did not need treatment.

The second incident occurred at 6.25pm the same day when an 18-year-old woman was robbed in Armadale Street. She was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment for a minor injury.

Later that day, at 9.25pm, a 28-year-old woman was robbed of her bag at Great Western Road, close to St Georges Cross. She sustained a minor injury but did not need treatment.

The final incident occurred at midnight when a 47-year-old woman was robbed of her handbag outside Tesco Extra, at Dalmarnock Road. She was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University hospital and released after treatment.

Police do not know if a single man or gang was involved.

Detective Inspector Alasdair Barlow of the specialist Community Investigation Unit, based at Govan, said: “We do not yet know if these incidents are linked, or if it was one man or a group of men who are responsible for these robberies which left four women with minor injuries and in a state of shock.

“In all the incidents, one man approached the victims and either attempted to punch the women or drag the women to the ground before making off with their personal property. No weapons were used in these incidents.

“We know that the women were on their own at the time these incidents occurred. This speaks to the character and the cowardice of the person or persons involved. We are doing all we can to trace the individual or individuals responsible and ensure that they are held to account for his actions. We are analysing CCTV, conducting door to door interviews and speaking with local businesses and transport operators.

“Anyone with information should contact the Community Investigation Unit at Govan via 101."

DI Barlow said patrols were being sent to the areas where the women were targeted.

He added: "If you have any information which can assist, please come forward and speak to these officers.

“As police officers, we will not let this go undetected. As a community, we will not allow the actions of criminals to make women feel unsafe in the areas where they live, work or travel to."