A PENSIONER was thrown to the ground and mugged by two men who stole his bag of shopping and £70 cash in a "callous and opportunist" attack.

Police said the 72-year-old victim from Darwen had just left the Co-op store in the town's Church Street when he was set upon by two men in their 20s.

The attackers, both wearing football shirts, forced the OAP to the ground before making off with the cash two weeks' pension and the bag of groceries he had bought minutes before.

The pensioner escaped injury but is said to be "devastated" by his ordeal at around 4.45pm yesterday.

Inspector Graham Ashcroft said: "After coming out of the shop he was approached by two men. One stood on his foot and pushed him to the floor. After forcing him down he had his shopping taken and £70 cash.

"We are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

"The man escaped injury but he is devastated that he has had two week's pension stolen.

It appears this was an opportunist, callous attack on a vulnerable elderly victim."

The robbers are described as white in their 20s and both around 6ft tall and stocky.

One of the men was wearing a red Manchester United shirt and knee-length shorts and had short blond/light brown hair.

His accomplice was wearing a white England shirt.