Two women have been injured during handbag snatching incidents on Monday evening.

Last night, a Police spokesperson admitted that "there is a possibility" that the incidents "may be linked" and that the descriptions of the culprit or culprits are similar.

The women have been treated in hospital for burns and bruising after someone approached them from behind at speed and tried to take their purses. In one case, the woman was beaten and her purse taken.

In that incident, a Devonshire woman was riding east on Middle Road, Devonshire around 8.10 p.m. when she noticed a cyclist following her.

As she turned onto Manor House Drive a "dark-skinned" man, about five feet, eight inches tall, of slim build and in his 50s and riding a scooter approached.

There was a struggle for the bag and the woman fell from her cycle and burned her leg on the muffler of the man's dark red cycle.

The suspect — who had a salt-and-pepper beard — rode off empty handed.

In the other incident, a Southampton woman had stopped to answer her cellphone on Chapel Road, Paget around 11.20 p.m. when a black man approached on a dark red scooter.

A struggle ensued over her Ralph Lauren bag, with the suspect punching her in the face and kicking her in the ribs.

He got away with cash, a pair of black 'Ray-Ban' sunglasses, a silver Motorola Razr cellular phone and personal items.

She declined medical attention but had pain in her ribs, left hand and swelling around her right eye.

She too described her attacker as being of slim build, in his 50s with a "salt-and-pepper" beard.

Anyone who witnessed these incidents or has information is encouraged to call 295-0011.

When contacted, the Police spokesman said: "The descriptions are similar. Yes, there is the possibility that these two incidents in particular may be linked.

He further advised anyone riding at night to be cautious when alone and be aware of their surroundings.

"If you have to stop at night, do it in a well-lit area if at all possible."