TWO teenage boys were attacked and one suffered a broken cheekbone when a mobile phone was stolen as they walked to the shop.

The friends, aged 14 and 16, were walking along Stopes Brow, Lower Darwen, to the Premier Express store, Albert Place, Lower Darwen, when they were approached by two boys.

Police said one of the two boys said my sister had her mobile stolen, have you seen two lads running around the area?' before punching the 14-year-old victim in the face.

He fell to the ground and was kicked. The 16-year-old boy was also punched in the face when he tried to pull the attacker off his friend.

The two attackers stole a silver Sony Ericsson worth approximately £100.

Police said the incident happened around 9pm on Monday and are appealing for witnesses.

They are keen to speak to a woman who was driving down Stopes Brow.

The 14-year-old was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with a broken cheek bone.

PC Kenneth Mansfield, from Blackburn Police, said: "This was a particularly distressing attack on two young boys and I appeal to anyone with information to contact the police.

"We are particularly keen to speak with a woman who was driving along Stopes Brow at the time of the incident as we believe she stopped and asked the two boys if they were okay."

The first attacker is described as white, 15 years old and heavily tanned. The other is white, approximately 18 and was wearing a distinctive hat.

They were last seen heading onto Highercroft Road, Blackburn.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 quoting log reference number 301eq/101207 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.