A WOMAN was left with suspected broken ribs after she was attacked by a robber in the centre of Oswaldtwistle as she returned from a night out.

And police want to hear from a couple who ran from a nearby takeaway to help the woman and give chase to her attacker.

The 35-year-old woman was returning from a function at James Street Working Men's Club at midnight on Friday when she was assaulted.

She was near the junction of Union Road and Simpson Street when the robber grabbed the shoulder strap of her handbag.

She tried to fight the man off, but he knocked her to the ground and punched her several times in the chest in an effort to get the bag from her.

The woman screamed and a couple ran to help her from the nearby Reno's Takeaway. The man chased the robber off while his partner went to help the victim.

The couple went home after helping the woman, and detective want to speak to them as they may hold vital clues. They also want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time. Police said the area was especially busy because of the function at James Street Working Men's Club.

The woman was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where she was treated for severe bruising to her ribcage before being discharged. She is awaiting test results to see if any ribs have been broken.

The robber was white, about 5ft 6in tall and had a large ring through his left eyebrow. He had black hair which was shaved at the sides and styled into a point at the front. He looked fresh-faced and had big bushy eyebrows. He was stocky and wore a white shirt, dark trousers and a gold watch.

Anyone with information should call Accrington CID on 01254 382141.

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