Three Asian women were attacked by a would-be robber who pulled a knife on them and threatened to kill them.

The incident happened on Willows Lane in Accrington when three Asian women, all in their late teens and early 20s, were walking along the road near the working men’s club.

Police said they were approached by a man at around 8.45pm on Saturday, November 8 who came from the junction of Perth Street and he pulled out a knife.

He threatened one of the women with the knife and grabbed her shoulder, demanding that they each hand over their mobile phones.

It is reported that the man then dragged the woman towards the bus shelter and forced her to the floor.

He then held the knife near to her head.

One of the other women tried to grab the knife and sustained a minor cut to her hand.

Police said the man continued to threaten the women and said that he would kill them if they didn’t hand over money.

The women continued to scream and eventually the man ran off, empty handed, towards Perth Street.

The man is described as a white, 5ft 9ins tall of a thin build with a pale complexion.

He is thought to be around 30-35 years old and is described as having sagging skin on his face.

He was wearing a black tracksuit with the hood down and a black beanie hat.

Another man is thought to have waited on Perth Street throughout the incident.

DC Dan Perkins, of Blackburn Police, said: “This was a very traumatic incident for the three women involved and I would urge anyone with information about the incident to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information call police on 101 quoting log number 1181 of November 8.