Boy (9) robbed in Nelson street

The incident happened between 2-45pm and 3-15pm on Monday, near the junction of Reedyford Road and Regent Street. The boy was walking to a shop in Regent Street with two friends when he was approached by a man who asked him if he smoked. The man then grabbed the boy by the wrist and stole a £5 note from his hand.

The man is described as of Asian heritage, slim build, aged about 18 to 20 and having sideburns down to his chin but his beard did not meet in the middle.

He was wearing a black beanie hat, a black fleece, light blue jeans and black trainers with a white Nike tick.

DC Shaun Hanna of Burnley CID said: “This was a particularly cowardly attack on a young boy in the street who was simply walking to the shop with his friends. Thankfully he wasn’t injured but he and his friends were left understandably shaken by the incident.

“An investigation to identify the man responsible is under way and I would urge anyone who may have seen what happened or has any information that could assist with our inquiries to contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting crime reference EG1501615.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.