A MAN who threatened to knife a pensioner if she did not give him her purse has been jailed for six years Paul Alan Elliott, 34, of Ripon Street, Blackburn was sentenced at Burnley Crown Court after pleading guilty to attempted robbery.

And police said Elliott's sentence should serve as a warning to others.

The incident happened on Thursday, June 1 at about 10.50am when a 66-year-old woman was shopping in the Infirmary area of Blackburn.

As she approached a chip shop, a man, who had been following her, stood in front of her and said "Give me your purse, or I will knife you".

The court was told how the victim then started to scream and Elliott made off empty handed.

Police patrols were called to the area and searched for the would-be robber.

Elliott was later arrested and was charged with attempted robbery just seven hours after the attack.

Detective Inspector Paul Withers said: "This was extremely distressing for the victim and I hope the sentence given will go some way in demonstrating that justice has been done.

"Elliott was clearly intent on committing the offence and the six-year prison sentence is reflective of the severity of the offence.

"I hope this sends out a clear message to those intent on committing this type of crime that it will not be tolerated in Blackburn."