Padiham man with learning disabilities attacked for £3.40

10:02pm Monday 28th April 2008

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A VULNERABLE' disabled man has been punched in the face before being robbed for just £3.40, police said.

The 33-year-old, who suffers from learning disabilities, was attacked in the toilets below Padiham Town Hall on Friday April 25.

The attacker demanded money from the man after punching him in the face and kicking him on the hip during the attack, which occurred at 5pm.

He has been left with a cut lip and a sore hip.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward but in particular want to hear from the pedestrian who challenged the attacker from outside the toilets.

The man had just used the toilet facilities when the attacker punched them man in the face in the unprovoked attack, police said.

The victim, who had been knocked to the floor when he was punched, handed over £3.40 .

The attacker demanded the man hand over any notes he had before kicking him in the side.

The victim shouted for help and the attacker walked calmly out of the door when a member of the public challenged him.

DC Neil Swindells, of Burnley CID, said such attacks were rare.

He said: "This is someone who went in to use the toilet facilities.

"And this vulnerable adult has been set upon in the toilet and robbed for £3.40.

"This was an unprovoked attack where he was punched in the face for no reason after which money was demanded.

"He handed the offender his loose change and then was kicked on the side having been knocked to the floor when he was punched.

"We do not want a repeat of this incident and are appealing for witnesses especially the pedestrian to come forward."

The attacker has been described as being a 6ft white man, of slim build, aged between 28 and 32, with short dark hair.

He was clean shaven and wore a blue waist length jacket and light blue denim jeans and trainers. His clothing was described as being dirty.

Anyone with information should contact Burnley CID on 01282 472149 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.