A 21-YEAR-OLD man was left terrified and shaken after being attacked and pushed into a fast flowing river in a "drunken robbery".

The victim, who was too upset by the incident to be named, was surrounded by a gang as he left the Railway Tavern in Bury Road, Rawtenstall, at 1am on Saturday.

The man, from Rawtenstall, was pushed off the pavement and down a hill.

His fall was only broken when he landed in the River Irwell where he was assaulted by the group who stole his rucksack and made off.

A police spokesman said: "This seems to be a drunken robbery. A number of offenders approached the aggrieved who had just left the Railway Tavern."

The victim was able to call an ambulance from his mobile phone.

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries but not detained.

The police spokesman added: "We have no description of the offenders but are appealing for any witnesses to come forward."

The ruck sack contained items worth almost £250, including a pair of Soloman roller skates, a set of alan keys for the skates and some black Kicker shoes.

Anyone who may have seen the incident should contact Rossendale Police on 01706 237634 or the free Crimestoppers phoneline on 0800 555 111.