A MAN was attacked and robbed while he was walking along a footpath in a wood near Stockton.

The 22-year-old was walking in Stainsby Wood, parallel with the A19 in Stockton, on Sunday (22 nov) between midday and 1pm when he was approached by two males.

They tried to grab his phone while the victim attempted to fight them off.

One of them stood on his stomach while the other stole his Samsung Galaxy Note 4 phone.

The victim suffered a bruised stomach but did not need medical treatment.

The suspects were described as being of Asian appearance, about six ft tall, of slim build with facial hair. They were both wearing bright blue Berghaus jackets. One of the men was wearing black shell suit bottoms and the other was wearing Nike 'Roche' trainers.

Police are appealing for anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact PC Ralph Bainbridge on the non-emergency 101 number, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.