A woman was robbed as she walked home in Accrington last night.

The 39-year-old victim was talking on her phone when she passed a man who was leaning up against a wall on Blackburn Road at around 8.15pm.

As she approached Portland Street he grabbed her from behind and tried to force her into a silver car but the woman was able to struggle free and get away.

During the struggle the man took the lady’s phone and her handbag.

Detective Sergeant Julie Cross of Accrington CID is appealing for information.

She said:  “We would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and may have witnessed anything to come forward and contact police if they have not done so already.

“In particular, I am keen to speak to two girls who are believed to have walked past as the offence was taking place, they may have seen something or have information that is crucial to the investigation so I would urge them to come forward.”

It is also thought that the offender may have discarded the handbag, which is described as a large brown bag with three tassels at either side, so people living in the nearby area are asked to look in their yards or gardens and if they find the handbag, to hand it in to police.

DS Cross added:  “The bag contains this lady’s personal items such as her passport, credit cards and keys and so I would urge people to look out for it and if they find it, to either contact police or hand it in to your local station as soon as possible.”

A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this and is currently in custody.

Anyone with any information about the robbery is asked to contact police by calling 101.