Police are hunting gang of "cowards" who stole hundreds of pounds from people as they withdrew money from ATMs.

A group of three well-dressed men are thought to have carried out three separate thefts in Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire on Thursday and Friday.

In each case the victims were targeted at ATMs and three-figure sums were stolen.

The first incident took place around 3pm on Thursday at the HSBC cash machine on Buchanan Street, Glasgow. A 59-year-old woman was pushed to the side as she was halfway through her transaction and her cash was stolen.

During the second theft, at Morrisons supermarket in Stevenson, the gang distracted a 51-year-old man before stealing his money. The incident took place around 6.50pm.

The third theft happened at the Santander branch in the Avenue Shopping Centre, Newton Mearns on Friday at 8.45am. The gang distracted a 77-year-old woman before taking a three-figure sum of money.

Detectives said the men were targeting people who they thought were more vulnerable.

They have appealed for anyone with information to come forward, and have asked the public to be extra vigiliant around ATMs.

Detective constable Neil Guy, said: "Thankfully no one was injured during any of the incidents, however, to be surrounded by people not known to you and have a considerable amount of money stolen from you is very, very upsetting and frightening.

"We believe that all three incidents are linked and that the men responsible, three of them, have access to transport and are targeting people they deem more vulnerable than others.

"In all three cases, the men have been in the area prior to the robberies taking place. They all appear well dressed - in a smart but casual way - and seem plausible when distracting the person at the ATM - for example, asking for directions or information. However, they are quick to react and steal the money."

He continued: "We are checking CCTV and are following a number of lines of enquiries just now but I would ask that anyone who saw or who has information about these men to contact police.

"They are cowards who prey on people just trying to go about their business. I would also remind people to be extra vigilant at ATMs and if you have any suspicions about people hanging about, or indeed about the machine itself, then please contact police and the bank immediately."

The three suspects are all in their twenties, and spoke in broken English with Eastern European accents.

One had dark hair tied in a "top knot" ponytail and was wearing a blue jacket, blue jeans and white trainers.

The second had short dark hair which was shaved at the sides. He was wearing a grey hoodie, dark blue jeans and grey trainers.

The third man is described as wearing a dark baseball cap, a grey jumper, blue jeans and dark coloured trainers.

Information can be given to officers at the Community Investigations Team at Pollok on the 101 number or in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.