Search for muggers

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 23, 2009

A REVELLER was mugged for his wallet and mobile phone as he walked home after a night out.

The 25-year-old was chased by four men, one of which grabbed him by the throat, during the early morning attack, in Durham City, on Sunday.

And police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at around 2.30am.

The victim was walking towards his home near Durham County Hall with a pizza, when he was set-upon.

He was busy texting his girlfriend so did not notice a silver Renault Clio pull up in a layby next to him as he walked up Framwellgate Peth, under the railway bridge.

Four people got out of the car then the victim suddenly felt a blow to the left side of his face as he was knocked to the ground.

His attackers demanded he hand over his money and his phone. One of them grabbed him by the throat, repeating the demands for his wallet and mobile phone.

After being struck several more times he handed over his mobile and his black leather wallet, containing just a few pounds.

After managing to get home he contacted police before going to the University Hospital where he received treatment for a swollen jaw and a graze to his right hand.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses.

The men are described as white, around 5ft 10 and in their mid-twenties.

One had cropped hair and was wearing a long-sleeved jumper with cream and blue horizontal stripes while the other had short, mousey coloured hair, a thin face and was wearing a long-sleeved cream jumper.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham CID on 0345 606 0365..