CHILDREN as young as 11 are being targeted by muggers in Blackburn town centre.

Four serious attacks on adults took place in the space of seven days and follow a string of muggings involving adults and children.

There have been more than 20 attacks in the last four weeks and in some cases the robbers have been armed.

Shortly before 2pm Saturday, June 27, a 13-year-old boy was threatened in Church Street and handed over a small amount of cash.

The thief was Asian, 5ft 6in, in his early 20s, of average build, with short black hair and stubble. He wore a large black coat.

On Tuesday, June 23, evening a man was left with severe cuts and bruises after he was badly beaten by eight Asian men around 8.30pm at the junction of Watford Street and Charlotte Street. The men were travelling in two cars.

Another man needed hospital treatment for head injuries after he was attacked by two men carrying weapons outside a takeaway restaurant in Charlotte Street at 8.30pm on Tuesday, June 23.

The attackers were both Asian and in their late teens or early 20s. One was 5ft 8in, slim with short hair.

A youngster handed over cash after he was threatened outside Blackburn railway station at 12.20pm on Wednesday, June 24. The thief was Asian, aged between 18 and 20, 5ft 8in, slim with gelled back hair and wore white trainers, faded jeans, a blue Reebok jacket and spoke with a Lancashire accident.

Police are keen to hear from anyone with information.

People can ring the Crimestoppers line in confidence on 0800 555111 or Blackburn CID on 01254 51212.

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