A 60-YEAR-OLD woman says she is scared to go out after being punched in the stomach and robbed by a teenager.

Beryl Wilding, a retired nurse, was on her way to catch a bus into Burnley town centre to do her shopping when she was attacked.

The youth ran up to her as she walked down Bulcock Street, Burnley, towards the bus stop in Briercliffe Road.

He punched her in the stomach and then snatched her purse, which she had in her hand ready to pay for her bus fare, and ran off down Wynotham Street.

Beryl, of St Cuthbert's Street, said: "It is difficult to describe your feelings when something like this happens - it is shock and surprise that it could happen in broad daylight.

"I am also quite angry about it because it makes you realise how vulnerable you are.

"The thump in the stomach did not cause me any serious injury but if he had attacked someone much older and more frail than me he could have knocked them down and really hurt them."

The offender got away with a black leather purse containing £70 in cash and Mrs Wilding's bank cards.

She added: "It makes you feel nervous about going out anywhere, although I did go into town today to make sure my bank card had not been used.

"I found it difficult walking around among the busy Christmas crowds."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened on Wednesday, November 19, around 2.10pm.

The offender is described as an Asian male, aged 15 or 16, around 5ft 4ins tall, and slim.

He was wearing a beige baseball cap, a light beige jacket, dark tracksuit trousers and dark trainers.

Anyone with information about the incident or the offender is asked to telephone Brent Fielding, Burnley street crime co-ordinator, on 01282 472159 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.