DETECTIVES are hunting a "despicable" hoody-wearing robber who bit a teenager's finger when he refused to let go of his mobile phone.

Police said a 15-year-old boy was waiting outside the Apollo Cinema, Hollywood Park, off Manchester Road, Burnley, with two friends when he was approached by two teenagers on Saturday at around 6pm.

The details of the incident have only just been released.

Detective Constable Dave Hindle today branded the attack "disgraceful" and appealed for witnesses.

He said: "The boy was waiting with his friends when he was approached by two Afro-Caribbean teenagers. He had his mobile phone in his hand when one of the teenagers attempted to grab it.

"The boy tried to get it back and a struggle occurred which was when his finger was bitten by one of the teenagers.

"It drew blood and his accomplice dragged him off the victim.

"The boy returned home and told his mum what had happened and she took him to hospital for treatment.

"This was a despicable and disgraceful incident. It would have been quite busy at the time so we are appealing to anybody who saw anything, either before or after the incident, to contact us with information."

Police are checking CCTV footage of the complex.

The first offender is described as being between 15 and 17 years old, 5ft 6ins, with short hair, wearing a dark hoody with a black coat over the top, dark blue tracksuit bottoms and dark trainers.

The second male was 6ft, between 15 and 17 years old, skinny, with short black hair and slight facial hair on his top lip. He was wearing a white hoody with a Ben Sherman logo on the front, black jeans and brown shoes.

Anyone with information should contact Burnley Police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 .