A HAIRDRESSER has issued a warning to all other salons in the region after a terrifying ordeal at the hands of an intruder.

Linda Everett, 52, from Vogue hair salon, Blackburn, was attacked by a man who tried to steal a customer's handbag from the premises.

The man entered the Accrington Road shop at 5pm on Wednesday, pretending to be suffering from a bleeding lip.

He asked for some tissues and Linda, who at the time was colouring the hair of the one customer who was in the shop, went to help him.

While her back was turned the man grabbed a handbag but Linda could see him by using the mirrors of the salon.

Both Linda and the customer attempted to stop him but the man shoved Linda to the ground and left empty-handed.

Linda, who has run the salon for ten years, said: "He came in asking for some tissues and water but in the mirrors I could see what he was doing. He was casing the joint looking at the bags, he thought that we were distracted.

"He grabbed a bag and I went to stop him and he knocked me down on the floor. He then ran off."

The attack has shaken up Linda badly.

Now she wants other hairdressers to be vigilant as she thinks criminal men could see them as a "vulnerable" target because they are often run by women.

She said: "I just want other salons to know that these people are around."

The man is described as 19-20 years-old, with short, dark hair done with clippers. He had a chubby face and was wearing a navy blue fleece top and jeans. He left the salon in the direction of Intack. Anyone with any information can contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.