A student was attacked with a hammer while walking home near St Walburge’s Church late on Thursday night.

Preston Police are appealing for witnesses after the robbery in Pedder Street.

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The theft took place at 11.45pm on Thursday (18 May) when the 19-year-old victim was making his way over the railway bridge at Pedder Street when he was approached from behind.

The offender demanded he hand over his possessions and then hit the University of Central Lancashire student over the head with a hammer.

The victim’s wallet, a sat nav device and some loose change was taken before the man ran off in the direction of St Walburge’s Church.

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DS 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.