A 50-YEAR-OLD woman was punched in the face and had two front teeth knocked out as she tried to stop her bag being stolen.

The woman is too frightened to leave her home in Shadsworth, Blackburn, following the robbery for just £10 in Delph Lane, near the Tesco superstore.

She was walking along to a friend's house at around 8.30am on Wednesday when three Asian men in their early 20s walked past her. One of them turned and tried to pull her shoulder bag away. As she struggled to keep hold of it, another punched her in the mouth, cutting her lip and knocking her teeth out.

She stayed on her feet until the bag strap broke under the strain of being continuously yanked and sent her flying.

Police think one of the men may not have approved of the attack as he appeared to intervene. They have appealed for him to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Paul Withers said: "She is frightened and upset that this has happened. She is now too scared to go out alone.

"It was an entirely unprovoked attack and very violent and anyone who has information should contact us. The male who appeared to be trying to pull the first man away is possibly a crucial witness."

The first man was stocky, 5ft 5in, had stubble and was wearing a royal blue T-shirt, dark tracksuit bottoms and a baseball cap.

The second was thin about 5ft 10in, with stubble and a shaven head. He was wearing Khaki short-sleeved top and dark blue pants.

The third was of medium build, 5ft 10ins, with stubble and a shaven head.

Anyone with information should call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569.