DEVASTATED Angela Scullion and her two young children were praying for a miracle today after thieves stole their Christmas.

Generous Blackburn residents and traders were today rallying round to collect goodies for the family after their £220 Christmas money was stolen from Angela's handbag.

Angela, who lives in the Johnson Street area of Blackburn, was walking with her friend in Mincing Lane, Blackburn, when two young thieves snatched the bag.

The money was a loan intended to buy Christmas presents and food for Matthew, five, and Chloe, six.

Today Angela, 37, sobbed: "I cannot believe what has happened.

"I take out a loan each year so that I can afford a decent Christmas for the kids and had intended to go shopping.

"I then pay it back on a weekly basis using my benefits.

"All I had been able to buy before my bag was snatched was a pair of roller skates and a football game.

"I haven't got a clue how I am going to tell the children what has happened. This is a real kick in the teeth for us."

The bag also contained a purse and bank books in the names of both the youngsters.

Angela added: "I do not even know what we are going to eat on Christmas Day. I hadn't even been able to buy a turkey."

The heart-breaking crime is being investigated by Blackburn CID.

Detective Inspector Terry Richardson said that very little was known about the attackers.

He added: "Fortunately, there was no violence used in the offence. But a crime like this is a blow at Christmas."

The brief description of one of the attackers given to police is a white youth in his early 20s, wearing dark clothing and a bobble hat.

News of the offence spread quickly among traders on Blackburn's Three-Day Market and other stores in the town centre.

Many today said they would consider making donations.

A spokesman who wanted to remain anonymous said: "There have already been a lot of offers of help."

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