POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery on a schoolgirl.

The 15-year-old was on her way to school on Orkney Close in Blackburn at 9am on Monday when she was approached by three teenagers.

One grabbed her by the arm of her jacket and another asked where her phone was and threatened to search her. But an unknown girl intervened and shouted and they ran off empty-handed.

An investigation is underway and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

The three offenders were white. One was about 18, 6ft tall with a skinny build and brown hair. Another, between 14 and 15-years-old, was 5ft 4ins with blonde or brown hair and a Scottish accent. The third was also aged about 15, 5ft 4ins tall with shaved black hair, fat cheeks and blue framed glasses.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Marc Nutter said: "This was very frightening for the young girl who was on her way to school at the time and it was fortunate that the other girl intervened causing the three males to run off empty handed."

He appealed to the girl who intervened, described as white, about 13 years old with shoulder length blonde and brown hair, to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 quoting log reference number 69EQ/150408 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.