POLICE are hunting an attacker who mugged a 66-year-old Blackburn women as she made her way home.

The incident happened in Inkerman Street, in the Brookhouse area of town, at around 6pm on Tuesday.

Police said the woman, who was carrying a hand bag containing a "significant" amount of cash and a carrier bag, was approached from behind and pushed to the ground.

The victim was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital but discharged later the same night.

Sergeant Julie Peters, of Blackburn CID, said: "We are asking people to be extra careful when out and about, especially at this time of year in the run up to Christmas when they may be carrying around more money than they normally would.

"The lady wasn't seriously injured but was left shaken and in shock.

"We are urging anybody with information about this incident to get in contact with us."

Police said the attacker is possibly an Asian male.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Martin Hulme or PC Lee Eckersley on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.