A WOMAN and a 16-year-old boy were mugged in separate street attacks within 24 hours.

In the first incident, a woman in her 40s, was approached from behind by two men outside Right Way Builders in Burnley Road, Brierfield.

One grabbed her handbag and when she refused to let go, punched her in the face before snatching the bag.

It is believed heand the other man ran off via Railway Street.

The robber was aged 20 to 30, 5ft 9ins, thin, and wearing dark clothing.

He left behind a distinctive black and white checked scarf which had been around his face.

The bag was a large black Primark shoulder bag, containing £100.

The incident happened at around 7.30pm on Friday.

In the second mugging, a 16-year-old boy was walking along Brunswick Street, Nelson, near the junction of Cloverhill Road, when a gang and kicked and punched him to the ground and stole his £150 Blackberry, leaving him with facial injuries.

The offenders were Asian males. One was 5ft 10in, 18-years-old, of average build, with stubble and wearing dark clothing and black Cryuff-type trainers.

Another was in his late teens, very tall and thin, and wearing a white hoodie and dark pants. The other two were 6ft, wearing dark clothing.

The incident happened around 7.15pm on Saturday.

Det Sgt Alisa Wilson, of East CID, said: “I appeal for anyone who knows who these offenders may be to get in touch with the police.

“I believe the robbery of the 16-year-old was witnessed by two men in a car .”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting log number 1269 of March 28 regarding the mugging of the woman, and 1419 of March 29 for the attack on the boy.