Police have not ruled out a possible link between a “distressing” knife-point robbery on a woman in Five Lane Ends and two earlier knife-point robberies in nearby Wrose.

On Saturday night, a knife-wielding robber slashed the woman’s hands to make her give up a purse as she left Drakes Fisheries in Highfield Road, Five Lane Ends.

The 41-year-old was robbed at around 9.30pm as she walked to her car. She was approached by a man who demanded that she handed over her purse and then produced a knife.

The victim suffered cuts to her hand as she tried to hang on to her purse, which contained a small amount of cash.

The suspect, described as white, about 5ft 10ins and of slim build, ran off towards Willowfield Crescent.

He was wearing a dark hooded top and his face was covered during the attack.

Acting Det Insp Stuart Lyons of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said: “This was clearly a distressing event for the victim and there is a need to apprehend this person as soon as possible.

“The suspect may have been hanging around the area before the incident and is known to have removed his face covering as he ran off. I would ask anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has knowledge of it, to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

This latest robbery comes after two similar crimes.

On New Year’s Day a teenage knife-man held up a woman at the Quix News corner shop in Wrose Road, Wrose, at about 7pm. The 48-year-old wife of the shop owner was left badly shaken when the robber pointed a large knife at her and demanded the money from the till. He fled with £1,000 takings.

On December 28 a woman was walking to her front door in Clara Road, Wrose, when a man, holding a knife approached her, snatched her bag and fled.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “While there is no concrete evidence to suggest these incidents are related, we are treating them with an open mind.”