Police appeal after hammer attack robbery on teenager

Sheffield Road, near Conisbrough, has been closed due to a 'police incident'

The theft happened at 11.45pm on Thursday night when the victim, 19, was walking over the railway bridge on Pedder Street when he was approached from behind. T

he offender demanded he hand over his possessions and then hit him over the head with a hammer.

The offender stole the man’s wallet, a sat nav device and some loose change before making off in the direction of St Walburge’s Church.

The victim attended Royal Preston Hospital but was later discharged with minor injuries.

Det Sgt Jerry Sturgess, of Preston CID, said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack on someone simply walking home after work.

“It was fortunate that the victim wasn’t seriously hurt particularly after being hit with a hammer.

“There is a good chance that the offender is known in the area, may have targeted other students or was hanging around beforehand.

“If you saw them or have information, please come forward.”

The offender is described as white, around 5ft, 8ins and of slim build. He was wearing a grey hoody and black tracksuit bottoms with a dark coloured snood or similar covering the lower part of his face.

Prior to the attack the offender had been in company of another man wearing all dark clothing.

Anyone with information can contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log 1705 of May 18th.

Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.