UPDATE: Vancouver police have arrested a 33-year-old man in connection with the two random attacks on seniors. He is in custody on unrelated assault charges. According to police, mental health is a factor in the attacks.

The investigation is ongoing as police gather evidence to recommend charges and find any links to other potential incidents. The man has not yet been charged.

Vancouver police say they have grainy surveillance photos of the man suspected in random attacks on two elderly women, but are canvassing the area for clearer images.

Officers said the assaults occurred on the city's west side on Thursday, and were just hours apart.

The first incident happened shortly before noon in the area of West Broadway and Ash Street. An 84-year-old woman was sitting on her walker waiting for a ride, when a stranger approached, kicked her off her seat and walked away.

The woman was taken to hospital where she remains, recovering from a broken elbow.

Just two hours later, a 70-year-old woman in a wheelchair was assaulted near Broadway and Granville Street.

Police said the woman was out with her daughter, when the pair was approached by a man. The man punched the elderly woman in the face then walked away. The woman suffered minor injuries and did not require medical attention.

The man in the first assault has been described as white, in his 20s and approximately 5-10. He has a medium build and full beard, and was wearing a dark navy shirt, navy baseball hat and white shoes, police said.

In the second incident, the victim and witnesses were unable to provide a suspect description. Officers said that based on the type of assault, location and time, they believe the assault could have been committed by the same person.

Police said they've obtained some grainy surveillance photos captured by a camera at a business in the area, but the photos have not been released to the public. Investigators are canvassing the area with the photos, looking for more witnesses. They are also speaking with other business owners who may have clearer security camera footage of the area.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact police.