AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a boy was punched in the face and robbed in broad-daylight.

Police have appealed for information about the attack, which happened on Tuesday (October 16) afternoon when the boy was walking through Nelson Town centre.

The 15-year-old was walking down Chaple House Road towards the town centre when a dark blue Peugeot 306 carrying three Asian males approached him.

He had just approached the junction of Brunswick Street, when the car came to a standstill where he was stood.

One of the passengers then got out of the car and punched the boy in the face without being provoked.

The attacker then before stole £45 from the boy, who was given the money by his father to buy groceries for the family.

Detective Constable Simon Robinson, who is investigating the attack, said that the attack had left the young boy very distressed'.

He said: "The young lad received cuts and bruises during the robbery, and is obviously very distressed.

"All three males fled the scene in the Peugeot driving up towards Larch Street.

"The attacker is described as an Asian male in his twenties, with short gelled hair, and is around 5'10 tall and had quite a distinctive hooked nose.

"We are keen for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have any information no matter how insignificant you may think it is, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Simon Robinson at Nelson CID on 01282 472651 or alternatively Crimestoppers on freephone 0800555111.