A MAN was left bruised when he was kicked in the head and body by two would-be robbers in east Durham

A police spokesman said the pair fled empty-handed following the attack on the 30-year-old in an alleyway off Milton Grove, Shotton Colliery, near Peterlee, at 7.30am on Saturday (October 11).

The spokesman said: “He was attacked by two men, with one grabbing him from behind and the other approaching him from the front, demanding his mobile phone and cash.

“The victim managed to break free and struck out at the man in front, before he was pushed to the ground and kicked by both of them to his head and body.

“He received a number of injuries during the attack including bruising to the ribs, but was not seriously hurt.

“His attackers fled the scene in the direction of Dene Terrace when a passer-by approached.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact Detective Constable Bruce Harriman on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.

The first suspect was 5ft 5in tall, with a broad Irish accent and wearing a West Ham United football scarf.

The second man was 6ft tall and wearing a camouflage jacket.