Appeal for couple who came across attempted street robbery (From The Advertiser Series)

Appeal for couple who came across attempted street robbery in Durham

10:07am Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News By Bruce Unwin, Chief Reporter (Durham)

POLICE investigating an attempted street robbery have appealed for a couple who came across the latter stages of the confrontation to come forward.

It follows the incident which took place after a 24-year-old man got off a number 20 Go NorthEast bus at a stop opposite the Sainsbury’s Extra store on Sunderland Road, Gilesgate, Durham, last Thursday (January 17).

The bus left Durham city centre bus station, in North Road, several minutes earlier and the victim was making his way from the stop to his home, nearby, at about 6.05pm.

Having crossed the road and walked into The Moorlands, off Sunderland Road, with his mobile phone in his hand, he was grabbed from behind by a man.

The would-be robber grabbed the pedestrian round the neck in a head-lock, demanding the phone, which he tried to prise from his grasp.

Following a brief struggle the phone dropped to the ground and smashed.

The assailant ran off as a man and woman walked round the corner.

Police said the couple were concerned for the condition of the victim, who told them he was “okay” before running home.

It is not known who the couple are, but police investigating the incident have asked them to come forward as they may have seen what took place or even spotted the man responsible.

He is described as 6ft 2in, of slim build with short black hair, a ‘gaunt’ face, and, at the time of the incident, was clean shaven.

The couple, and anyone else in the area of The Moorlands, shortly after 6pm last Thursday, or with information about the incident, are asked to contact Durham CID, on the force’s non-emergency number, 101.

Alternatively they can ring the Crimestoppers’ freephone line, anonymously, on (0800) 555111.

The officer overseeing the inquiry is Detective Constable John Hutchison.