The 33-year-old was in the toilets underneath Padiham Town Hall on Friday when he was punched in the face and kicked while on the floor. The callous robber stole just £3.40.

Detectives are urgently seeking witnesses to the robbery, particularly a man who shouted at the attacker after witnessing the assault, which occurred between 4-45 and 5 p.m.

DC Neil Swindells said: "This was a particularly cowardly attack on a vulnerable person who was legitimately using public facilities. The offender only got away with a small amount of money, yet left his victim shocked and bruised. The attacker is described as white, 6ft tall, clean-shaven and aged between 28 and 32. He was slim with short dark hair and was wearing a black zip-up jacket, light blue jeans and trainers. His clothes were described as dirty-looking and he was last seen walking along Burnley Road, Padiham."

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Swindells on 472149.