A WOMAN was left screaming in agony after scalding hot water was poured over her arms in a senseless attack.

And today Vera Allen slammed the young cowards who struck in a small park in Fielding Lane, Great Harwood.

Vera was walking her dog when she was approached by four youths who started talking to her.

Shortly after one of youths grabbed the cardigan she was wearing and threw the hot water on her from a small silver flask.

"My attackers showed no remorse and they should be punished with no remorse," said the 61-year-old.

She added: "I was screaming and shouting for them to get off me, it was hurting so much. But they did the same on my other arm. Then they just calmly walked away and disappeared into the darkness. They showed no remorse whatsoever. "I thought my screams would attract the dog but he was too far away and no-one else was about."

"It's made me think twice about going out again, that's for sure."

Vera then went back to her home at Greenhill, Great Harwood and telephoned for an ambulance.

"I was taken for treatment at Blackburn Royal Infirmary and had cream and bandages put on the burns. I was in agony.

"Even now, a day after the incident, I am still very sore and my arms are red raw. I shall find out later this week if the burns will scar over or not."

Police searching for Vera's attackers have asked the public to turn the criminals in.

Det Supt Alan Bedwell, of Great Harwood CID said: "This was a motiveless, nasty and cowardly attack on an elderly lady."

The four youths were aged between 15 and 17, all about 5ft 10 ins-6ft tall and all wearing hooded tops.

Anybody with information should call police on 01254 353341 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.