An 84-year-old man was shoved to the ground and kicked in a "despicable" Burnley street robbery for just £7.

The pensioner, who is too scared to be named, had been dropped off after a night out and was walking down an alleyway between Rossendale Road and the Griffin estate when he was attacked.

The two robbers said "Goodnight" before turning round and grabbing hold of the man's throat from behind and forcing him to the ground.

As he lay on the floor the thugs repeatedly kicked him in the ribs before asking where he lived and demanding cash.

The incident happened at about 11.10pm last Friday as the man walked home from a night at Rosegrove Unity Club. However, police were only alerted to the robbery when the victim's family found out.

The victim, who lives on the Griffin estate, had not told anybody because he did not want to upset them or waste anyone's time. He was taken to Burnley General Hospital for treatment for a cracked rib.

Police have called on residents in the area to help them catch those responsible for the robbery in which the victim, who lives on Griffin estate, suffered a cracked rib.

Det Con Belinda Cooper said: "The robbers and the victim had past each other and wished each other a goodnight.

"Once past they turned round and approached the man from behind.

"This was a despicable and abhorrent offence.

"I am sure members of the local community feel the same and I would urge anyone who has any information about the incident to come forward."

Former Mayor Lilian Clark and Rosegrove with Lowerhouse councillor, who lives on the Griffin estate, said: "This has come as quite a shock. There are quite a few problems up here with gangs of kids, lights not working in flats and rubbish."

Patricia Dolan, a director of South West Burnley Enterprise Centre, Valley Street added: "This is absolutely disgusting and things like this should not happen.

"We have a lot of elderly people in south west Burnley and they should be able to go out alone.

"We try to look out for them but we cannot keep and eye on them 24/7."

Both robbers were white, 20 to 24, 5ft 6ins, and of medium build.

One was wearing a light or white shirt and a dark coat.

Anybody with information should contact Burnley CID on 01282 472281 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.