POLICE today appealed for witnesses after a 13-year-old schoolgirl was robbed by a gang of youths in Nelson bus station.

She had just stepped off the bus from Barnoldswick at 4pm when approached by the group.

The school blazer she was wearing was stolen. Police are studying CCTV footage from the area in a bid to trace the yobs.

DC Wendy Rimmer said: "She was not hurt but badly shaken by what happened. She ran home and then we were contacted."

The girl complained that she was approached by a group of nine or 10 young Asian men who had been on the same bus.

DC Rimmer said: "They made racists comments to her. She was then grabbed by the collar and her blazer was taken. It contained a small amount of cash and things like pens and pencils used in school work."

The ringleader was in his late teens or early twenties. He was of a heavy build, between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 8ins tall, with black hair in a crew cut style. He was wearing a beige top and black puffa jacket.

The girl described the others as of similar age but slimmer.

DC Rimmer said: "The incident happened in a busy area. People may have seen what happened and there may be some who were on the bus who can also help."

Close circuit television film is being studied as part of the police investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nelson CID on 01282 472645 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.