POLICE are today quizzing a teenager suspected of carrying out three bag snatches near Ipswich's town centre.

POLICE are today quizzing a teenager suspected of carrying out three bag snatches near Ipswich's town centre.

Officers stepped up their high visibility and plain clothed patrols in the St Margaret's ward area following three bag snatches between November 13 and November 16.

Just after 8pm last night, police arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of the three robberies. Today he is in custody and is due to be interviewed.

The first incident happened in Cobbold Street at about 7pm on Thursday when a 57-year-old female was dragged backwards and fell to the ground after her bag was grabbed as she walked to bingo.

She was dragged along for a short distance before she released her grip and the thief made off with her black leather bag.

The second incident happened in Blanche Street at about 6.45pm on Saturday when a 35-year-old woman was pulled to the floor after a man crossed the road towards her and grabbed her bag.

The victim refused to let go and kicked out at the attacker who ran off empty handed towards Samuel Court.

At about 6pm the following day a 56-year-old woman was walking along Hervey Street with a friend when two men approached her from behind and grabbed her bag.

The victim spun around and the thief pulled on her bag again, causing it to break free. The pair then ran off with the black tasselled bag towards Cobbold Street.

A police spokeswoman said: “All three of the victims sustained minor injuries and were left extremely shaken by their ordeal.”

Police are urging anyone with information about any of these incidents to call Dc Sam Abbott at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.