AN 11-year-old boy was attacked by two muggers as he played in a park.

Police stepped up patrols around Corporation Park, Blackburn, and issued a witness appeal after the ‘shocking’ and ‘nasty’ attack.

The youngster was in the park at around 6pm on Saturday when the teenagers attacked.

They pushed him over and stole his Samsung Galaxy S6 phone, before running off. Fortunately, the boy was left with only minor injuries.

Deputy Mayor of Blackburn Cllr Hussain Akhtar, who lives near the park, described the attack as ‘unacceptable’ and said he regularly gets complaints about anti-social behaviour.

“This is very bad news and we’re not going to accept it,” he said. “I get a number of complaints from the bowling green people about vandalism and we’re working to resolve that. But this is shocking and I am hoping this just a one-off.

“This is a nice park and I urge these criminals to let the people of Blackburn use it. We’re working hard to improve Blackburn and incidents like this are the last thing we need.”

The attackers were both described as Asian, aged around 18, of a skinny build, and around 5ft 8in tall.

One had black hair and was wearing jeans. The second was wearing a baseball cap, a red Adidas jacket with white stripes, and black Adidas trainers.

DC Emma Oldham said: “This was a nasty incident involving a young boy who was simply playing. I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened or who recognises the description of these males to contact us with any information.”

Call police on 01254 353561 quoting 1233 of September 5.