A NINE-year-old boy was robbed by a man while he was walking to a shop in Nelson.

The incident happened between 2.45pm and 3.15pm on Monday near to the junction of Reedyford Road and Regent Street.

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The boy was walking with two friends when he was approached by a man who asked him if he smoked.

The thief then grabbed the boy by the wrist and he stole a £5 note from his hand.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, the Labour group leader on Pendle Borough Council and ward representative, said: “It’s despicable that somebody could have robbed such a small child.

“It’s up to the community to make sure that this person is apprehended by assisting the police as much as possible.

“Anybody who has been a victim of this type of crime has been wronged but this is such as small child.

“I really feel for the kid and I would call on anyone who knows who this person might be to contact the police.

“It’s a very shocking thing to have happened.

“The area is normally quite safe and does not have a lot of crime.”

The thief is described as Asian, of slim build, approximately 18 to 20 years old with sideburns down to his chin but his beard did not meet in the middle.

He was wearing a black beanie hat, a black fleece, light blue jeans and black trainers with a white Nike tick, officers said.

DC Shaun Hanna is now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

She said: “This was a particularly cowardly attack on a young boy in the street who was simply walking to the shop with his friends.

“Thankfully he wasn’t injured but he and his friends were left understandably shaken by the incident.

“An investigation is under way and I would urge anyone who may have seen what happened or has any information that could assist with our enquiries to contact us.”

Cllr Iqbal added: “Children should be able to feel safe walking on our streets and we should do all we can to make sure that that is the case.

“I would be happy for people to contact me anonymously and I will pass any details on to the police.

“It’s a terrible situation and I hope that it gets resolved as quickly as possible.”

Anyone with information should call 101.