Police are hunting for a man who could be responsible for all five handbag snatches in the North Lanarkshire town.

The first incident happened at 6.10pm on Monday, February 4 when a 51-year-old had her bag stolen as she crossed the footbridge linking Condorrat and Westfield.

An 81-year-old was robbed the following day, between 4.45pm and 5.15pm, in Condorrat's Morar Court, when her bag was snatched.

On Wednesday, February 6 there was another bag theft, from a 76-year-old woman at 2.45pm in Hillcrest Avenue.

The next day a 62-year-old disabled woman had her bag snatched in Lochinvar Road.

Just 45 minutes later, a 61-year-old woman was targeted as she walked in Westfield Drive.

She managed to keep hold of her bag and suffered an injury to her hand as a result.

Yesterday, between 9pm and 9.55pm, a 58-year-old woman was pushed to the ground and her handbag taken as she walked with a friend near Westfield Primary School.

The suspect is described as male, slim and about and 5ft 7ins tall.

He was wearing a grey hooded top, dark-jacket, dark trousers and light trainers.

Detective Inspector Bob Frew, from Cumbernauld police office, said: "These have been frightening attacks for the women involved and we can't rule out the same man being responsible for all six.

"It's imperative we catch whoever's responsible.

"In the meantime, we have extra patrols across Cumbernauld, so people can feel safe while going about their daily business."

Anyone with information should contact Cumbernauld police office on 01236 503900.