Nelson subway attack teenager: police appeal

Around 6pm on Tuesday, the 17-year-old boy was walking along the path leading from Scotland Road, Nelso,n to Gisburn Road, Barrowford, listening to music on his mobile phone through headphones.

As he approached one of the subways, he was pushed in the back, making him stumble, and a lone offender demanded his phone. The victim refused and was punched to the left ear. The offender again demanded the phone and reached into the victim’s pocket. A struggle ensued which resulted in the victim’s black Blackberry Curve 8520 being pulled out of his trouser pocket. The offender ran away from the scene.

The offender is described as Asian, aged 15 to 16, about 5ft. 9in. tall, of skinny build, with a long thin face. He had short black hair which was gelled into spikes along his fringe and had sideburns and a slight moustache. He spoke with a local Asian accent. He was wearing a black hooded top which had two blocks of white writing across the front and black jogging pants with elasticated bottoms.

Det Sgt Charlie Haynes said: “We are appealing to anybody who may have witnessed the attack, or equally to anyone who may know the offender, to contact us before he has chance to do this to anyone else.”

Anyone with information can contact DS Charlie Haynes or DC Ian McLean at Pennine CID by calling 101. Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at www.crimestoppers.co.uk .