POLICE say two robberies in Burnley on Friday night may be linked.

In the first, a 48-year-old man was pushed to the ground and kicked by three assailants at the junction of Colne Road and Ivy Street at 11pm. He suffered minor cuts and bruises and had his black wallet, containing £50 and two photos, and a blue Siemens mobile phone taken.

One of his attackers was a white male, in his early 20s, with short dark hair and wearing a tan coloured bobble jacket. The second was a white female, in her early 20s, with shoulder-length dark hair, a dark coloured waist-length coat. The third was a white female wearing casual clothing, believed to be a tracksuit top.

The second robbery took place an hour and a half later at 12.45am on Barden Lane. A 16-year-old boy was walking home when he was set upon by 10 offenders. He was struck across the neck and tripped over.

His pockets were then searched and a silver DMG watch worth £100 and one black leather shoe were taken.

One of his attackers was a white male, 16 years old, wearing a dark parka jacket. Another was also a white male, aged about 16, and wearing a grey jacket.

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Tim Maddox on 01282 472240.