POLICE are hunting two teenage thugs who slashed a student's face in a vicious attack.

The pair struck at around 3.10am in Winckley Square, Preston on Saturday as the 18-year-old was returning home to a street off Fishergate Hill after visiting a friend's house in Avenham.

The victim was approached by a girl in her early teens who asked him for a light. When he said he didn't have one, a man in his late teens appeared and asked him to hand over money and a mobile phone.

When he said he didn't have either, he was forced to the ground and set upon.

The attack happened just feet away from the statue of Sir Robert Peel, the founding father of modern policing who formed the Metropolitan Police force in 1829.

Detective Sergeant Richard McCutcheon, who is heading the investigation, said: "He was pinned down and had a weapon held to the side of his face by the male offender, while the female rifled through his pockets, but he didn't have anything."

The vicitim was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with cuts to his face, which may have been inflicted with a Stanley knife.

"He was obviously quite shaken by the incident, but fortunately the cuts were not that bad," added DS McCutcheon.

The female is white, about 5ft 8in tall, has browny blonde straight hair that was tied in a pony tail. She was wearing a light blue jeans and fleece, a cream scarf.

The man is white, about 5ft 10in tall, he was wearing a black hooded top, a baseball cap, dark track suit bottoms, and white trainers. He spoke with a deep voice.

Anyone with information should call 01772 203203.