A DRUNKEN robber is preying on defenceless teenagers in the town centre and stealing valuables and cash.

The crook, who operates around Blackburn bus stops, is believed to be responsible for a series of incidents so far this year.

Now police have appealed for people who believe they may have been victims of the robber to come forward and help track him down.

The robber, who is usually drunk when he strikes, picks on youngsters aged between 12 and 16.

He approaches his victims as they are waiting for a bus or have just got off a bus in the town centre.

He starts a conversation with his victims before pushing or dragging them into a quite area and demanding cash or jewellery.

A spokesman for Blackburn CID said: "We have had a number of similar incidents reported to us so far this year, involving a man using the same method to rob teenagers in the town centre.

"But we would like people who believe they may have been robbed by this man and who have not come forward, to do so. The information they provide may be vital in tracking down the person responsible."

Police have warned teenagers to be on their guard and keep away from people acting suspiciously in the town centre.

Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to contact officers on Blackburn 51212.

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