A TEENAGER'S gold chain was ripped from his neck as a gang of six youths kicked and punched him in a street mugging.

The 17-year-old boy, who has not been named, was taken to Blackburn Infirmary and given treatment for minor cuts and bruises.

Police said he was recovering at his home in Blackburn after the incident, which happened after he left the Printers pub, Delph Lane, at 5.15am on New Year's Day. He was walking along the road when a youth approached and asked for the time. The victim told him and continued his walk home.

One of the youths then ran and jumped on his back and dragged him to the ground. As he lay on his back, five other youths set upon him with kicks and punches. They asked for his mobile phone, but could not find it because it was in his back pocket.

Instead they pulled a gold sovereign ring from his finger and ripped the gold chain from his neck.

The victim was only able to give descriptions of two of the attackers. One was a white, 18-year-old man, with a clean complexion, about 5ft 8in, slim and wearing a Burberry baseball cap, grey sweatshirt, navy tracksuit bottoms and Rockport boots. He spoke with a local accent.

Another was also a white, 18-year-old man, about 5ft 8in tall, slim with a dark brown, short back and sides haircut. He was wearing a blue Fred Perry jacket.

Call DC Kate Kennedy at Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 with information.