POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery on a schoolgirl.

The 15-year-old was on her way to school in Orkney Close, Blackburn, at 9am when she was approached by three youths.

One grabbed her by the arm of her jacket, and another asked where her phone was and threatened to search her.

But an unknown girl intervened and shouted, and they ran off empty-handed.

The three offenders are white. One is about 18, 6ft tall, skinny and has brown hair.

Another, between 14 and 15 years old, is 5ft 4in, with blonde or brown hair, and a Scottish accent.

The third is also aged about 15, 5ft 4in tall with shaved black hair, fat cheeks and blue-framed glasses.

DC Marc Nutter said: "This was very frightening for the young girl and it was fortunate that the other girl intervened, causing the three males to run off empty-handed."

He appealed to the girl who intervened, who is white, about 13 years old, with shoulder-length blonde and brown hair, to come forward.

Anyone with information on the attack, which happened last Monday, should contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 quoting log reference number 69EQ/150408, or inform Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.