Police have arrested a 47-year-old woman on suspicion attacking elderly men in Chippenham and Corsham.

The woman, from Rudloe, was held after three pensioners were assaulted and left with puncture wounds.

The first victim was attacked outside Sainsbury’s in Bath Road, Chippenham, on July 24. Another man was assaulted outside the Four Seasons in Chippenham High Street four days later.

The third attack was outside the Co-op in the Martingate Centre on July 29.

DC Jo Tidmarsh of Melksham CID said police believe another man may have been targeted outside Sainbury’s the day before, and they would like to hear from him. The men were left with puncture wounds to their backs and in one instance to the cheek, but they are said to be recovering well.

The woman has been charged with three counts of actual bodily harm.

She is being held while mental health assessments are conducted. DC Tidmarsh said: “We have detained on remand a 47-year-old female from the Corsham area who we believe has been targeting elderly men outside shops and assaulting them using a kind of small, sharp implement.

“We would like to reassure the public that these are very unusual and rare incidents.

“We believe we have the right person and would like to hear from any further witnesses or victims who are yet to come forward.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Tidmarsh at Melksham Police Station on 0845 408 7000.