A number of women have been targeted in a spate of violent street robberies hours apart.

Four victims, aged between 18 and 47, were left injured in the attacks which happened in the space of around eight hours on Tuesday.

All of the women were walking in the street alone in Glasgow and had their handbags stolen by at least one man who then ran off.

The first, a 22-year-old woman, was targeted at around 3.30pm on Beaconsfield Road in the city's west end, with the next robbery around three hours later on an 18-year-old on Armadale Street in the east end of the city.

Then at 9.25pm a 28-year-old woman was attacked and robbed of her handbag on Great Western Road at St George's Cross.

The final victim, aged 47, was targeted a few hours later at midnight outside Tesco Extra on Dalmarnock Road.

It has not been confirmed that these incidents are linked at this time but police have launched a major probe to catch who is behind the robberies.

Detective inspector Alasdair Barlow, of the specialist Community Investigation Unit at Govan, said: "We do not yet know if these incidents are linked, or if it was one man or a group of men who are responsible for these robberies which left four women with minor injuries and in a state of shock.

"In all the incidents, one man approached the victims and either attempted to punch the women or drag the women to the ground before making off with their personal property. No weapons were used in these incidents.

"We know that the women were on their own at the time these incidents occurred. This speaks to the character and the cowardice of the person or persons involved. We are doing all we can to trace the individual or individuals responsible and ensure that they are held to account for his actions.

"We are analysing CCTV, conducting door to door interviews and speaking with local businesses and transport operators.

"There are high visibility patrols being deployed in areas were these women were targeted. If you have any information which can assist, please come forward and speak to these officers.

"As police officers, we will not let this man to go undetected. As a community, we will not allow the actions of criminals to make women feel unsafe in the areas where they live, work or travel to."

"Anyone with information should contact the Community Investigation Unit at Govan via 101.