Teenager in veil robbed in Blackburn street

A teenager who had just left a mosque was punched in the face by a thief who stole her handbag. The 17-year-old has been left with a suspected fractured eye socket, swelling and bruising to her face after the incident on Saturday.

At the time the girl was wearing full Asian dress including a veil. She described the experience as “terrifying”.

The victim, who wshes to remain anonymous, said: “I was walking towards the bus stop after attending the Tauheedar mosque. As I got on to Eanam I passed a lad sat in a bus stop but didn’t really think anything of it.

“Not long after I passed him I reached the canal bridge and all of a sudden I was aware of someone running towards me. Before I could turn round I felt a punch to the face and my handbag was snatched. I was so scared. Luckily a taxi stopped and a woman got out to help me call the police.”

The student from Accrington was taken to hospital shortly after the incident at 12.30pm. Doctors suspect she has a fractured eye socket but cannot tell the full extent of her injuries until the swelling and bruising goes down.

A police spokesman said: “This was a vicious attack on a vulnerable woman walking alone. I appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area on Saturday lunchtime to call us on 101.” The attacker is described as 5ft 7ins tall, of skinny build and wearing casual clothing.

This is Lancashire, 11 September 2012