A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested after a woman was attacked with a piece of wood with nails sticking out of it, police said.

The teenager, from Blackburn, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and robbery yesterday after the 51-year-old victim was attacked in Belper Street at 7am on Friday, January 5.

The offender was armed with a length of wood with nails sticking out of it.

The woman suffered serious injuries to her face and broken bones in her hands as she tried to defend herself and is still being treated in hospital.

Police said the attacker stole the victim's keys and mobile phone and used the keys to get in to the victim's place of work, a newsagent on Pelham Street, where they stole cash and made off.

A weapon has been recovered and detectives have launched an investigation and are appealing for information.

A 14-year-old boy, who was arrested yesterday, remains in custody.

Detective inspector Paul Barlow said: "This was a horrific and unprovoked attack on a woman which has left her with some horrendous injuries.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or who has any information to contact us."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 225 of January 5.