POLICE are hunting a tattooed robber who assaulted a man at knifepoint as he strolled through a Pendle park.

Shane Blackburn, 26, of Surrey Road, Nelson, was threatened and kicked as he walked in Victoria Park, Nelson, at 6.20pm last night.

The robber ordered Mr Blackburn to lie face down on the ground before taking his wallet, kicking him and running off. It was not known how much money was taken.

The Lancashire Police helicopter was called out to help in a search of the area and spent around 20 minutes circling overhead, but the robber managed to escape.

Inspector Paul Robinson, of Pendle Police, said: "Mr Blackburn was walking through the park when he was approached by a man brandishing a knife.

"He was told to lie on the ground and hand over his cash. The offender then kicked him before running off. "Mr Blackburn was left very badly shaken by the attack, but fortunately he was not injured by the knife.

"Obviously he did as he was told and kept his head down so he was not able to say which way the offender ran off and there are a number of escape routes from the park."

The robber was described as white, around 5ft 9in, stocky, with short dark hair and stubble on his face and spots around his mouth.

He had green/brown eyes and had a distinctive tattoo on his left arm with red and blue colouring. He was wearing a blue jumper, blue jeans and black boots.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Nelson CID on 01282 472645 or Crimestoppers on 0800 55111.

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