A man was punched and kicked to the floor by would-be burglars during an attack in Nelson.

The 67-year-old answered his front door, in Rutland Street, to three teenage boys between 10.30pm and 10.40pm on Saturday.

The trio told the man to go to the back door.

But when he opened it, he was punched to the floor and kicked, police said.

The teenagers ran into the house but were then apparently disturbed by neighbours and fled.

Nothing was stolen from the property.

Sergeant Keith Beckley, from Nelson police, said officers wanted to speak to anyone who may have any information on the incident.

The teenage boys were all white and were wearing dark clothing.

Two were aged around 16 and around 5ft 6ins.

The other was around 18 and 5ft 8ins tall.

Police said the man was not injured.

Anyone with information should contact Nelson police on 01282 472604 or call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.