A MAN was hit on the head and held down by robbers who pounced on him and stole £55 as he walked his dog.

Former gas worker Ronald Boult, 58, of Cardigan Avenue, Burnley, needed hospital treatment after the attack by youths on ground near Ivy Bank High School, Burnley.

Mr Boult turned after hearing a noise behind him and was hit on the forehead.

He fell to the ground face down and was hit a second time on the back on his head.

He was then held down in mud and grass while his jacket and trouser pockets were searched. Mr Boult did not see the faces of the people who attacked him, but described them as having young voices.

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital with bruising and released after treatment.

Just before he was attacked, at 1.15pm on Thursday, Mr Boult was passed by a man on a bicycle who was travelling on the path from Kiddrow Lane to Scott Street.

Det Sgt Graham Briggs said: "The man on the bike must have seen Mr Boult's attackers and we are appealing for him to contact Burnley police on 01282 425001."

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