POLICE are hunting thugs who left an 84-year-old woman with a broken arm and dislocated shoulder in a vicious street robbery.

The pensioner is being treated in Blackburn Infirmary after the attack in Scaitcliffe Street, Accrington, at 1.35pm yesterday.

She also suffered cuts to the face in the robbery, which the police have described as 'cowardly and despicable.'

The woman, from Accrington, has been left shaken by the attack and police are still waiting to talk to her to find out what happened.

Her handbag containing a brown leather purse and £20 was stolen

Police want to question two Asian youths seen fleeing the scene. One was seen dumping the shopping bag as he ran.

An Accrington CID spokesman said: "The pensioner is in a stable condition and under observation. She is getting support from her family. "It was a despicable, cowardly attack on a defenceless pensioner. We are eager to speak to anybody who witnessed the attack, saw the offenders fleeing or who knows who the offenders are." A witness saw the youths run along a path off Scaitcliffe Street and then climb over a railway bridge on to the track.

They then ran off down the track away from Accrington.

Both were aged between 16 and 17, thin and about 5ft 7ins tall.

One had squinting eyes, a plump nose and black, greasy hair with ringlet curls along the fringe. He was wearing a brown coat, black trousers and black shoes.

The other was wearing a black bubble jacket, black baggy trousers and blue shoes. He possibly had an earring in his right ear.

Anyone with information should contact Accrington CID on 01254 382141.

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