A YOUNG Accrington woman was attacked and had her handbag stolen as she walked home The incident happened at 9pm on Friday 11 January but police have only just released details.

As the 19-year-old walked along Water Street, Accrington, she was approached from behind by man who threatened her before stealing her handbag and making off towards Avenue Parade.

Det Con Mark Postlethwaite said: "We are particularly keen to speak to a passer by who approached the woman after the incident and may have seen the attacker run off, but has only been described as a white man, aged 19 with a stocky build."

The handbag is described as gold, with a thick strap containing a passport and a pink comb.

The offender is described as having a tanned complexion or possibly Asian in appearance, 5ft 9ins, slim with a thin face. He was clean shaven and wearing a dark coloured hooded top.

Anyone with information is urged to contact DC Mark Postlethwaite directly on 01254 353044 or Blackburn police on 0845 1 25 35 45 quoting log number 287EQ/110108. Alternatively, anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.