Strike Force Viper has arrested three youth in relation to a robbery in the Alice Springs CBD yesterday.

Investigations indicate at 12:10pm an 87-year-old woman was walking in a shopping centre on Hartley Street when she was allegedly pushed to the ground by a group of females.

The females stole the woman’s handbag before fleeing the scene on foot towards the post office carpark.

The woman suffered bruising as a result of the incident.

General Duties Police and members of Strike Force Viper immediately swept the area and as a result arrested three youth ages 15, 15 and 17-years-old who are now assisting police with their inquiries.

Police are investigating whether the offenders from this incident are linked to an earlier attempted robbery in a car park on Bath Street.

Just after 12pm, a 72-year-old woman was getting into her car when she was approached by two female youths who asked for a lift.

The woman attempted to close the door when it is alleged one of the youth tried to get into the vehicle while the other youth reached past the woman and attempted to grab her handbag.

The woman left the area without further incident.

Police urge anyone who may have witnessed either incident to contact them on 131 444 or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.