A TEENAGER is recovering after twice falling victim to a pair of would-be muggers on a main road in Burnley.

The 15-year-old was walking home along Todmorden Road on Tuesday when he was confronted by two fellow teenagers outside the Flower Bowl store and post office, demanding his iPhone.

Police say the attackers, who struck around 4.20pm, were disturbed when a passing motorist, in a red car, intervened.

But when the 15-year-old continued along Todmorden Road, the two muggers returned and threatened the victim with a knife, as he passed the Spar shop.

Though the boy was punched in the head the pair were again thwarted when another driver, this time in a blue car, stepped in.

Police have now launched an appeal to identify the muggers. who ran off towards the Burnley Wood area after they were disturbed a second time.

Each of them is said to be Asian and aged around 16 or 17. One was around 6ft tall, medium build and was wearing a black hooded top.

The second boy was 5ft 9 ins tall, was slimmer, and was wearing a grey hooded top.

Det Con Ashley Johnston from Pennine CID said: “Fortunately the victim was not seriously hurt and the offenders escaped empty handed.

“This incident happened in peak traffic time on a very busy main road out of Burnley. I would reassure people that an investigation is underway but also appeal for any witnesses to come forward with information that could assist police, particularly the two members of the public who stopped in their vehicles to help the victim.”

Potential witnesses are asked to call Pennine CID on 01282 472149 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.