POLICE are appealing for help from Blackburn's criminal underworld after a woman was brutally beaten up and robbed on her way to work today.

The 52-year-old was punched in the face and her handbag was grabbed as she walked to her town centre cleaning job in the early hours of this morning.

The attack happened on a secluded path opposite Focus DIY store at the junction of Bank Top and Hancock Street at 4.10am.

The attacker approached the woman, who has not been named, from behind and ran off down Hancock Street towards Galligreaves Way.

The bag contained a small amount of cash and personal items.

The woman was left shocked and with bruising to the side of her face and swelling around one of her eyes.

Inspector Graham Ashcroft, of Blackburn Police, said: "I would appeal for anyone with information, particularly members of the criminal fraternity who might know this individual, to get in touch with us.

"This was a cowardly attack and somebody knows who this man is. I would like criminals to consider that this could have been one of their own mothers who was attacked."

The robber was white, about 6ft to 6ft 2in and of medium to stocky build. He was wearing a dark woollen hat and a bright yellow padded jacket.

Call Blackburn Police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.