A man suspected of snatching a handbag from a pensioner in Hove was arrested late this morning.
The 46-year-old man is also suspected of trying to mug a pensioner for her handbag in Brighton yesterday.
The two incidents took place less than an hour apart.
Sussex Police said that the first incident took place in Broad Street close to the seafront at about 11am yesterday.
A 78-year-old woman had just turned into Broad Street from Marine Parade on her way to do some shopping.
She was approached from behind by a man who tried to snatch her bag.
She refused to let go of it and he dragged her into the road before giving up and running off.
The woman was shaken but unhurt.
About 50 minutes later a man mugged another pensioner in Westbourne Street in Hove.
Again, the victim was shaken but unhurt.
Late this afternoon the man was still in custody awaiting interview.
