A 15-YEAR-OLD boy is in hospital with a fractured skull after he was attacked while doing his paper round.

Police believe the teenager, who they have not named, was struck with a handgun.

Detective Sergeant Paul Murphy, said: "This was a vicious and unprovoked attack on a young man who had purely and simply been delivering papers.

"We ask for the co-operation of the public and ask that if anyone witnessed the assault that they contact the police."

The boy, who is employed by A and W Green newsagents in Nuttall Street, Accrington, was on Royds Street, near to the shop when he was approached form behind by two men.

DS Murphy said: "When he turned round they threw an object at him which hit him on the forehead, causing a depressed fracture of the skull.

"We believe the object was a handgun but we do not know if it was genuine or imitation.

"They then threatened the youth, stole some of his newspapers and ran towards Nuttall Street taking the weapon with them."

The boy went back to the newsagents who alerted emergency services.

He was taken to Blackburn Royal for scans of his skull and brain.

The incident took place at around 7am on Saturday morning.

The newsagent and the boy's family declined to speak about the incident.

Anyone with information should contact Accrington CID on 01254 353743 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with robbery in connection with this incident and was due to appear before Hyndburn magistrates today.