A WOMAN was robbed of her handbag as she walked along a canal towpath in Blackburn.

Police said the 48-year-old woman was attacked on the towpath adjacent to Harwood Street, opposite Graham and Brown Wallcoverings, at around 3.20pm on Thursday.

Officers said a man grabbed her handbag and pushed her to the floor, before snatching the handbag.

She suffered minor injuries but was left "shaken and upset".

Police said the woman chased after the man but her attacker managed to escape.

The robber is described as white man, between 24 and 30-years-old, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in tall, of skinny build with short dark hair. Police said he was wearing a grey T-shirt and blue denim jeans.

Police are appealing for information and want to speak to anyone in the area at the time of the offence.

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PC Dan Fish said: “This robbery has left the victim shaken and upset and we want to find the man responsible as soon as possible.

“The woman has given chase to stop the offender but was unsuccessful in catching him.

“In the process of the foot chase there have been members of the public on the footpath who would have seen this male running from the aggrieved and I am keen to speak to these individuals.

“If you saw what happened and have yet to speak with police, please contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference ED1711317.