PEOPLE who use a canal towpath are being warned to beware of a thief who cycles up to his victims and steals their handbags.

Police fear the thief will strike again and that the same man has already claimed at least two victims.

The message went out after a second woman had her bag snatched in two weeks at the section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near Albion Street, Mill Hill. She was walking towards Albion Street when the thief rode up to her at 9.10am on Thursday and asked for the time.

Because she did not have a wristwatch, the woman, 39, opened her bag to look at her phone.

The distraction allowed the man to snatch the bag and cycle off towards New Wellington Street.

A small amount of cash, credit cards and the phone were in the bag.

The thief was described as white, aged about 18, of slim build, clean shaven and of average height.

He had dark, scruffy hair that could be seen underneath a dark baseball cap.

He was also wearing a dark-hooded sweatshirt and had a local accent.

He was riding a dark-coloured mountain bike.

DC John Mather said: "There were other people in the area at the time who must have seen the incident.

"We would like anyone with information about the incident to come forward."

Anyone with information should call DC Mather on 01254 353569 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.