REDBRIDGE'S top policeman has spoken out after a series of violent muggings of elderly people in Wanstead was followed by three new callous attacks in the area.

Borough Commander John Boylin said he was disheartened by the number of elderly people who were being victimised solely because of their age.

He said: "The number of robberies, in particular, being committed against this group has seen an increase and they are becoming more violent.

"Their sole aim is to rob, and if necessary rob at any cost. Injury to a victim is a by-product of their intention."

Last Thursday evening as an 87-year-old man parked his Chrysler Neon in Nutter Lane, Wanstead, he saw two men walking past him towards Buckingham Road on either side of the lane.

As he got out of the car, the man on the opposite side of the road, described as 6ft, aged 30, black, and stockily built, crossed over and blocked his path.

The man put his hand over his victim's mouth before going through his pockets, taking his car keys and wallet.

He gave the keys to the second man, who got in and started the engine. The two drove off towards Buckingham Road.

At lunchtime on Friday, a 57-year-old woman was standing at the junction of Daisy Road and Cowslip Road in South Woodford when she saw a red Metro approaching her at speed.

The robber, described as aged 20, 5ft 9ins, and white, with short dark-brown hair, came to a violent halt, reached out of the window and tried to snatch the woman's handbag.

The victim managed to hang on to it and the robber sped off up Cowslip Road. The Metro had been reported stolen and had the registration K162 AAV.

The following afternoon an 83-year-old woman was walking down Wensley Avenue in Woodford Green when a man grabbed her bag and dragged her to the ground.

The woman clung on but the robber wrenched it from her hands, leaving her with bleeding arms and legs and severe bruises to her left arm.

Police are looking for a white man aged around 25 with short dark brown hair.

Anyone with information on the attacks should call the robbery squad at Ilford police on 8345 2667. dyeatman@london.newsquest.co.uk