POLICE are hunting for an “apologetic” mugger who robbed a 50-year-old woman of her handbag on a street.

Officers said the man, who was well-spoken, kept telling his terrified victim that he was sorry as he robbed her.

The incident took place on Sunday night in Manchester Road, Burnley, and saw the man flee with a handbag, mobile phone, credit cards and around £20 cash.

Police said he told the victim that he was “short of money” and that was why he was mugging her.

Detective Constable Phil Pilk-ington said: “Due to the lack of winter clothes he was wearing we think he might well have been staying nearby.

“The man explained to his victim it was due to a lack of money that he was taking her handbag. He walked away with £20, a mobile phone and some bank cards.”

DC Pilkington said the man, aged around 19 was clean shaven, apologised for his behaviour several times during the incident.

The incident occurred at 10.45pm just before Piccadilly junction.

The white male was described as being around 5ft 8ins, slim, had short dark hair and wore a grey hooded jumper with the hood up.

He wore grey track-suit trousers tucked into white socks.

Police believe the male lives in the Manchester Road area due to his local accent.

Anyone with information can call DC Pilkington on 01282 472 241 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.