A WINDOW cleaner had his front teeth kicked out when thugs attacked him in the street - just as he was recovering from an earlier assault.

In the first incident police said the 46-year-old was walking along an alleyway in St Silas Road, Blackburn, when he was pounced on and hit in the face.

He was knocked to the ground when the attackers demanded money.

However they left the scene empty handed when police said they were possibly disturbed by a passer-by.

The incident happened on November 11 at around 6.30pm.

Later the same month, in nearby Granville Road, he was set up on by a group of youths.

He was again knocked to the floor and kicked in the head and face more than 20 times.

His three front teeth were knocked out during the attack on November 30.

The attackers then demanded money and escaped with a small amount of cash.

Four teenagers aged 17, 16, 14 and 15, all from Blackburn, have been bailed to appear before Blackburn Youth Court on Tuesday in connection with both incidents.

A police spokesman said they will also be questioned about a mugging attack on 77-year-old Dorothy Hope, who was robbed of £20 in nearby Adelaide Terrace, off Dukes Brow at around 5pm on November 16.

Detectives said the arrested teenagers would be quizzed in relation to the attack on Mrs Hope.

Det Sgt Chris McCreadie, of Blackburn CID, said: "The man was going about his normal business when he was attacked on both occasions.

"He was left badly injured as a result of the attacks.

"The juveniles will be questioned in relation to the attack on Dorothy Hope."