A YOUNG mother today spoke of her horror at being forced to helplessly watch as a teenage sneak thief snatched her 11-month-old daughter.

Deborah Jennings, 23, was in the living room of the family home in Hindle Street, Darwen, when the youth barged through the back door.

"It was a complete nightmare," said Deborah. "Jemima was toddling towards him and the next thing he was running off with her. It was really frightening and upsetting."

The blonde-haired teenager, who was wearing a red woolly hat and black jacket with white writing on the back, then dumped the frightened toddler on a busy near-by road.

Deborah said: "It is not the first time somebody has sneaked into the house. The only reason I had the door unlocked was because it was such a hot day." A black leather handbag containing £190 and a child's bum bag containing £20 was taken during the raid on Saturday afternoon.

Deborah's husband Jason added: "I had just nipped out with our son, Kevan, when it happened. I am really angry that they saw fit to risk Jemima's life for the sake of a handbag."

Police have issued an appeal for help to track down the youth who is thought to have been part of a gang who are also responsible for a similar raid at a house in Two Gates Drive, Darwen, later the same day.

Det Insp Mick Gradwell said: "We believe there were about five or six teenagers from the Darwen area involved in both incidents. We hopetheir parents or anybody else who knows who was involved see fit to come forward."

Witnesses have also described a slim 13-year-old boy with short black hair wearing a white shirt.

And another youth, aged between 13 and 15, wore a distinctive anorak with a diamond logo, possibly, Umbro brand.

Three juveniles are being questioned by police about the matter.

Anybody who can help should ring Darwen CID on 01254 701777.

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