POLICE are hunting for two men who attacked a youth before snatching his keys and burgling his house.

The 18-year-old victim was walking his dog along Peasley Cross Lane, Peasley Cross, at about 10.45pm, when he noticed he was being followed by two men.

As he attempted to take a short-cut down the side of the St Helens Auto Electrical Services, he was grabbed from behind and his face pushed into a wall. One of the thugs then demanded his keys.

The victim handed them over and a short time later was released. As he turned round he saw a man, described as 5ft 9in tall and wearing dark clothing, running away down a nearby railway line.

Upon returning to his home he discovered that he had been burgled and the thieves had taken an AIWA hi-fi valued at £500, a Helle Hanson jacket (£150) and a black nylon wallet containing £330 in cash.

The youth was not hurt in the attack but was left badly shaken by his ordeal.

ANYONE who thinks them may have witnessed the attack or has any information can contact DC Boyd at St Helens CID on 0151 777 6053 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.