A BOY aged about nine is believed to have been amongst a gang of youths who stole a mobile phone from a schoolboy in Thompson Park, Burnley.

Police have appealed for witnesses after an 11-year-old was ambushed.

The boy, who has been left shaken and scared, was threatened, pushed to the ground and had his phone stolen on Sunday at 5.30pm.

Three youths asked him for the time and when he got his phone out, one shouted at him to hand it over.

The boy tried to escape but was pushed to the ground and held down while the robbers ripped the black Sony Ericsson from his pocket.

One attacker was described as white, aged around nine, 4ft 6in tall, medium build, dressed in black and wearing a hooded top.

The others are described as 5ft 5in tall and medium build. One looked European and the other aged 12 had ginger hair. He wore a baseball cap, black T-shirt and tracksuits bottoms and a hooded top.

Inspector Dave Croll, of Burnley police, said: "We are appealing for informants. They may not have seen the offence but might be able to recognise the description and we would appeal to them to come forward."

Anybody with information should contact Burnley Police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.