A MAN in his early 20s was pushed to the floor, kicked and punched to his head and body before having his iPhone stolen in a Blackburn street.

The victim was walking in Stonyhurst Road on the way to meet his friend between 3.30pm and 4.10pm on Saturday when he was targeted.

Police said the robber punched and kicked the victim several times in the unprovoked attack.

He then snatched the victim’s white mobile phone before running off via Carlinghurst Road.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the assault. The offender was described as a white man in his early 20s who was dressed in dark clothing and spoke with an Eastern European accent.

DC Jen Lennon, of Blackburn CID, said: “A member of the public spoke to the victim after he was attacked.

“We would like him to contact us because we think he might be able to help us with our investigations.

“Given that this happened during daylight hours, in a street with quite a few flats, there should be people who witnessed this robbery who can help us find the offender.”

Anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555111.