A seriously-ill elderly woman was karate-kicked in the back by a 13-year-old boy in a random attack in Church.

Accrington Police said the 60-year-old lady opened her front door to clear chips from the front of her home when she was kicked to the floor by the youth.

The ill lady, who doesn't wish to be named, suffered bruising to her back when the youngster launched both his feet into the air and kicked at her.

The 13-year-old then swore at the lady before fleeing Church Street in Church at around 7.30pm on Monday February 14.

He was with another teenage boy, said to be around 13, who wasn't involved in the attack.

Detective Inspector Claire Holbrook said the random attack defied belief and has appealed for witnesses to step forward.

She said: "To commit such a cruel and cowardly act to an innocent woman in her own home is beyond belief. I would strongly urge the man who was with the offender to do the right thing and tell us who did this.

"I would also appeal to anyone else who may have witnessed something or may have information that could assist us to get in touch. The person responsible needs to be brought to justice."

The offender is described as white, 5ft 1 with a slim build and black short dark hair with a straight greased comb blonde fringe, possibly with an Irish accent.

He has a number of stud earrings in his left ear and at the time was wearing a navy blue tracksuit with lighter colour edging and the bottom of his pants was tucked into his socks.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lancashire police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.