DETECTIVES are hunting a violent robber who is targeting women in Laindon following a string of night-time muggings.

Dubbed the Laindon Snatcher, he has attacked at least eight people in the past fortnight – leaving two women in hospital.

He is mainly targeting women aged between 40 and 65 as they walk through Laindon, threatening them and snatching their handbags.

The snatcher, who covers his face with a scarf, has threatened victims with knives and on one occasion attacked a man as he tried to protect his wife and her friend outside the Plough and Tractor pub, in Ballards Walk, on Friday.

A 56-year-old woman was left with a broken nose and an injury to her right cheek after being punched in the face as she was robbed in Uppermayne on Sunday, November 2, and a 64-year-old suffered a head injury after being targeted as she walked down Yardley on Thursday, November 13.

The robberies have all happened within a two-mile radius of Great Knightleys, and between 7pm and midnight.

On a couple of occasions the man had an accomplice – and once he was walking his German shepherd dog. Detectives are urging women to be vigilant and Laindon neighbourhood policing team has stepped up patrols.

Residents told the Echo they are terrified to be out in the streets on their own after dark.

Beverly Clarke, 50, of Great Knightleys, said: “I normally feel safe walking around here, but I won’t do it late at night anymore.

“I think after about 10pm, I would definitely think again now.

“I’ve got a 15-year-old son and I wouldn’t want him walking around by himself.

“I will be extra careful with my handbag now and I never carry cash on me, I just use my card as at least if someone nicks it, it can be cancelled.”

Her 73-year-old neighbour was the victim of a mugging back in March as she walked her dog.

She said: “I’m not happy to walk the streets at night.

“I’ve lived here 50 years and it’s got bad. I won’t even walk the dog here anymore, I get the bus into town and walk the dog there.”

Margaret Hopper, 70, of Great Knightleys, added: “It’s gone downhill and if I won the lottery I would move.”

The robber is aged between his late teens and late twenties, about 6ft tall and slim.

He wears dark clothes, a dark hoodie and a scarf over his face.

During one of the robberies his victim saw that he had brown curly hair with semi-permanant bright red hair dye in it. His accomplice is a similar age, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins and also of slim build.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL, SAYS LEADING COP A TOP cop has urged residents to think about their personal safety at all times.

Det Sgt Mike Wilkinson, from Basildon CID, is investigating the spate of muggings.

He is urging residents carrying bags with them to be extra cautious in light of the similarities surrounding the attacks.

He said: “Police are investigating a number of reported robbery incidents which have occurred within the past twoweek period.

“These incidents have all occurred within the Laindon area of Basildon and are reported to have occurred during the hours of darkness.

“Some of the incidents involved one suspect and others involved two. Members of the public are encouraged to be mindful of their own personal safety at all times and, in particular, when carrying any bags with them.

“Should you have any information that might assist police with their investigations please contact Basildon police or crimestoppers.”