AN Accrington man was threatened with a knife and robbed by a gang of five people early today.

The 47-year-old was attacked around midnight in a street behind Arncliffe Avenue and Rawson Avenue, Accrington.

Four men and one woman got out of a red vehicle and followed him into an area of woodland, where one man allegedly produce a pocket knife as the gang robbed the man of his money, mobile telephone and bag.

The 47-year-old victim suffered minor injuries to his left wrist and knee, but escaped, said Insp Julian Platt, of Accrington police today.

Three of the men were described as white, and the fourth, who allegedly carried the pocket knife, was described as Asian, aged 16 or 17, about 5ft 6in, clean shaven and with short black hair. He spoke with a local accent.

The fifth gang member was a white woman, again aged 16 or 17, with long dark brown hair falling past her shoulders. She was taller than the Asian man.

Insp Platt added: "We are keen that anyone who was in that area of the town between 11.45pm and 12.15 am should come forward. They may have seen the red vehicle, the group of five, or the incident itself. " Police can be contacted on 01254 382141.