A CARETAKER was attacked when he tried to stop a burglar stealing computer equipment at a Blackburn primary school.

The caretaker,34, was attacked after he went to investigate a disturbance at St Silas CE School, Clematis Street, around 9.40 last night.

He challenged a man who was trying to steal computer equipment and a tussle took place.

The caretaker was punched several times around the head and face and needed hospital treatment. The burglar managed to escape empty handed.

Detective Inspector Bob Eastwood, of Blackburn CID, said: "To attack an innocent man who was simply going about his job is something we cannot accept and we will be doing everything possible to catch this person."

The Rev Brian Stevenson, the vicar of St Silas Church, said: "The alarm went off at the school earlier in the night but I wasn't aware of the later incident.

"The fact the caretaker was assaulted is a sad reflection of the world today and the thuggery that is around."

The intruder was Asian, aged between 16 and 25, stocky, around 6ft, unshaven with greasy, black, shoulder length hair.

He was wearing a three quarter length waterproof jacket with a logo and brown trainer type boots covered in glitter.

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