Gang of youths hurl racist abuse and attack woman and daughter near Brockholes in Preston

Police are investigating after the women, aged 53 and 18, from Blackburn, said they were attacked near the nature reserve at about 6.50pm on Friday, May 29.

The pair said they were confronted by a group of around 20-25 youths when a young woman, described as white and fat, and wearing a white vest, punched and pulled the hair of the 18-year-old.

A second young woman, who has been described as white with false nails and dressed all in black, is also said to have been involved in the assault.

The woman and her teenage daughter said they were racially abused before and during the attack, but managed to get away and call the police.

Officers rushed to the scene, but despite a search of the area, there was no sign of the gang.

"This must have been an extremely distressing and intimidating ordeal for these two women and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw this group in the area to get in touch."

Police said they are treating the incident as racially aggravated assault and racially aggravated public disorder.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 1336 of May 29 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.