A TEENAGER was thrown into a river after a confronting a gang of yobs who were taunting a passer-by.

Police said the 13-year-old boy was walking across Swinden Hall Playing Fields, off Cravendale Avenue, in Nelson, when he saw the gang of teenagers goading someone.

He confronted the group and was thrown into the River Colne, officers said.

The boy, who was on his way to football practice at the time of the attack, managed to climb out of the water and returned home unharmed.

Sgt Mark Baines, of Nelson Police, hailed the boy for trying to do ‘the decent thing’ and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information should call Nelson Police on 01282 472604 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.