A WOMAN was punched in the face at the weekend as two boys tried to steal her bag.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the incident in Belgarth Road, Accrington, at 4.15pm on Saturday.

Officers said a 32-year-old local woman had crossed the railway bridge between Arago Street and Belgarth Road when she was approached by two boys.

One of them attempted to pull her handbag from her shoulder but she fought back and kept hold of her bag.

She was then punched in the head and the handbag fell to the floor.

However, the boys fled empty-handed towards Arago Street.

Both teenagers are described as white, aged between 14 and 18 years old and 5ft 7in tall.

They were bare-chested.

Detective Sergeant Paul Langley said: “This was a traumatic incident for the lady and I would appeal for any witnesses to the incident, especially an older gentleman who was crossing the bridge just prior to the attack, to come forward.”

Call police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.