Police step up patrols in Heaton as hunt for suspect continues

Police patrols have been stepped up in the neighbourhood while the suspect remains at large.

The robber, a dark-clothed, slim male believed to be in his early 20s, struck first at a residential care home in Toller Lane at 8.30pm on Saturday.

A female resident alerted a member of staff when she spotted the man inside the building. When confronted, he brandished a knife before escaping with a cream-coloured handbag.

Less than an hour later, at about 9.20pm, a man fitting the same description – about 6ft with tanned or olive skin and wearing gloves – was reported to be lurking in the garden of a house in Garden Street. He was disturbed by a neighbour and ran off.

Twenty minutes later, he is believed to have targeted a third property. He sneaked inside the home of a 66-year-old woman in Quarry Street and threatened her with what police believe was an axe.

She shouted at the intruder, who grabbed a small rucksack containing a mobile phone, a small amount of cash and bank cards before escaping.

No-one was injured in any of the incidents.

Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said: “These were disturbing incidents which have clearly been very upsetting for those involved, particularly as this individual has targeted people he would believe to be vulnerable.

“We are following positive lines of inquiry and would ask for anyone who spotted suspicious behaviour at these addresses at the times the incidents occurred, or has information, to come forward. We would ask residents to be vigilant.”

Det Insp Bragg said items had been returned to victims afterwards by a good Samaritan.

“I would appeal for that person to come forward and speak to us as he or she may have important information,” he said.

Anyone with any information should contact Airedale and North Bradford CID on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

e-mail: ben.barnett@telegraphandargus.co.uk