A WOMAN lay unconscious in an alleyway for two hours after being savagely beaten with a piece of wood by a purse thief.

The 21-year-old awoke at around 6pm in the area near Moseley Street, Blackburn, and checked herself into nearby Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

She only had minor bruising but police said she was lucky to avoid serious injury.

Detectives were today hunting her attacker -- thought to be an afro-caribbean woman in her 20s.

The victim was walking up the alleyway on the way to her boyfriend's when she heard voices from behind her.

She was then hit over the head with an unknown object, thought to be a piece of wood.

While she was injured on the floor, a flurry of kicks were sent into her body. Around £70 in cash was taken.

The incident was on Monday but was reported to police on Tuesday.

It is thought someone may have passed through the alleyway in the two hours while the victim lay unconscious and police want to speak to them.

Det Sgt Ian Critchley, of Blackburn CID, said: "This is a savage attack on this victim on which we are obviously keen to hear from witnesses to identify the offender.

"Anyone around the area at the time who may well have seen the aggrieved lying prostrate on the floor or the offender lurking in the area."

The attacker had shoulder length black hair and was wearing a black PVC or leather coat.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Blackburn CID on 01254 353569.