DETECTIVES believe that a flashpoint in Haslingden might hold the key to the robbery of a young man in Nelson.

Police are probing an attack on a 22-year-old who was walking along Leeds Road with a friend when a red and black Mini approached them.

The driver had a brief conversation with the man before turning his car around and driving at the men.

The pair ran away but became separated, according to investigators, with the 22-year-old eventually pursued to an alleyway behind nearby Edward Street to Lansbury Place.

Once there, the victim was attacked by the driver and a passenger and his bag was taken.

While this was going on, the pair were disturbed and ran back to the Mini before fleeing the scene, leaving the young man with bruising to his body.

But detectives are linking the incident, which occurred at 7.30pm, to an earlier suspicious episode which occurred in Haslingden on the same day, Tuesday, April 12, at around 6.50pm.

Then a man was approached at a a property in Sandown Road, with the homeowner asked for help in moving a car. The householder refused and saw the man leave in a red and black Mini.

Det Con Lee Walker, of Burnley CID, said: “We are appealing for information following a robbery in Colne and a report of suspicious circumstances in Haslingden.

“A 22-year-old was assaulted in a nasty attack and we are keen to find those responsible.

“We are particularly keen to trace this man pictured and would appeal to anyone who recognises this man to contact police.”

Anyone with information can call police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference EG1602221.