A RUTHLESS robber who has attacked as many as 14 women in the past month may have been responsible for a pensioner's death in January, according to police.

Officers are hunting a thief who has been snatching bags from women in the Queensbury area, not far from where Molly Morgan was murdered.

The 81-year-old was walking to Kenton Library, where she volunteered, when she was

attacked by someone trying to steal her handbag, dragged to the ground and killed.

The way in which she was attacked ties in with a new spate of robberies, and police are not ruling out the possibility of there being a connection.

Officers are asking women on their own to be particularly vigilant in the area since another incident on Saturday.

Similarly to the attack on Molly Morgan, the 30-year-old was approached from behind and dragged to the ground.

She was left with scratches to her face.

The robbery, in Mollison Way, was the 14th of its kind in less than a month in which women between 20 and 60 have been targeted.

Detective Inspector James McEvoy admits that the nature of the attacks mean finding the culprit or culprits has become a top priority.

"The majority of these attacks have come in the morning and the target is women on their own," he said.

"Because we believe Molly Morgan's handbag was snatched in a similar way, and not far from where these have taken place, we are certainly not ruling out a connection.

"Of course the concern is that another vulnerable women could be hurt in the same way, so it is vital that we catch this person."

Detective Inspector McEvoy is warning women to be cautious in the Queensbury area, particularly near the Tube station, between about 5pm and 11pm.

He has also called on anyone who has found any discarded handbags, has any information or witnessed any of the attacks to call Harrow police on 0300 123 1212 or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.