A YOUTH was scratched and beaten by two robbers who escaped with £120 after asking him for money in the grounds of Blackburn Cathedral last night.

Blackburn CID's Detective Sergeant Joe Kellet said the 18-year-old victim was walking alone through the cathedral grounds when he was approached at 9.20pm and assaulted and robbed.

He added: "Two other lads asked him for money, one of them then scratched the right side of his neck and punched him to the side of his head."

One of the robbers was described as a 6ft tall and white with dark brown hair and a medium build.

The other was white and 5ft10ins tall with long brown hair and dark clothing.

The victim did not need hospital treatment but was badly shaken.

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