POLICE are hunting a man with a large ring through his eyebrow who they believe is responsible for trying to rob a woman in Oswaldtwistle.

The 35-year-old victim was left with suspected broken ribs after the attack early on Saturday, August 28.

The woman was returning from a function at James Street Working Men's Club around midnight when she was assaulted.

She was near the junction of Union Road and Simpson Street when the man grabbed the shoulder strap of her handbag.

She tried to fight him off, but he knocked her over and punched her several times in the chest but failed to get the bag from her.

The woman screamed and a couple ran from the nearby Reno's takeaway to help her.

The man chased the robber while his partner went to help the victim, who was allowed home from Blackburn Royal Infirmary after treatment. Police still want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time.

They say the area was especially busy because of the function at James Street WMC.

The robber was white, about 5ft 6in tall and had a large ring through his eyebrow. He had black hair which was shaved at the sides and styled into a point at the front.

He looked fresh-faced and had big bushy eyebrows. He was stocky and wore a white shirt, dark trousers and a gold watch.

DC Andy Eddleston of Accrington CID said: "We have made extensive inquiries but they have so far revealed nothing further .

"This was a nasty attack on a woman who was alone at the time. This man has a distinctive appearance and there is always the risk that he will strike again."

Anyone with information should call Accrington CID on 01254 382141.

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