TWO teens who waved a kitchen knife and demanded cash from a visitor to Gatty Park in Accrington are being hunted by police.

The pair, aged around 16, panicked after threatening a 51-year-old man at around 11.15am on Saturday.

They ran away after their terrified victim told them he had no money on him.

DS Ben Hodgkinson, from Blackburn CID, said: “The two offenders were clearly unsure what to do as they seemed to panic and run away.

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“This was a frightening incident for the victim and it is fortunate that nobody was injured.

“We believe a large kitchen knife was used in the incident, which we all know, if used as a weapon, could have had devastating effect.”

The thug carrying the knife was described as white, of a slim build, with blonde hair shaved at the sides and short on top.

“He was wearing a light blue top.

The other boy was also described as white and of a slim build, with short brown hair and glasses.

He was wearing a dark coloured top.

The attempted robbery was the second attack by a pair of youths in just 12 hours in the town.

At around 1.15am, a taxi driver hurt his arm when two yobs attacked his car with sticks and tried to steal money from him.

Officers arrested two 15-year-olds who were later released on bail, and said enquiries remained ongoing yesterday.

The two incidents are not believed to be linked.

Hyndburn Council leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said he hoped those involved in both attempted robberies were caught and punished.

He said: “Of course anything like this is a concern.

“This will have been highlighted to the police, who need to put resources into these areas now.

“This is very concerning when somebody brandishes a weapon. These culprits need to be identified and dealt with in the courts.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting incident reference 608 of August 22 or talk to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.