A SCHOOLBOY on his way home from work experience was surrounded by a gang in an alley way and robbed of £10.

The 15-year-old had been on a placement in Blackburn town centre, but became concerned he was being followed by a group of five teenagers, police said.

The victim even went into a local shop and waited until the gang had passed, after he crossed Barbara Castle Way towards Whalley Range.

But as he went down an alley, in Hodder Place, he was surrounded by three, or four, of the group and ordered to empty his pockets.

As he did so, a £10 note fell out and that was taken.

Detective Sergeant Mark Haworth-Oates said the victim had not been assaulted, but was left ‘distressed’ by the incident, on Thursday around 5.20pm.

The gang are described as all around 16 years old, and 5’10” tall, two of big build, two of medium build, and one skinny.

Two were wearing grey hooded tops, and one was wearing a bright yellow hooded top.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 1 253545, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.