A DRIVER was forced from his car by a teenager who then drove off in it, police say.

Durham Police say at about 9.45pm on Tuesday, a man was driving along Edinburgh Drive, close to Mowden shops, in Darlington, when he was stopped by a male in the road.

"The victim was then forced from his car before it was stolen, with a second male getting into the passenger seat," a spokesman said.

"The car was subsequently recovered undamaged in the Rydale Road area of the town.

"Both suspects are described as young white males, aged in their late teens."

A friend of the victim's, speaking anonymously, told The Northern Echo: "A friend of ours was driving away when a man approached his car, as if in pain and needed help.

"So our friend stopped and wound his window down and asked if he needed help.

"At that (point), an accomplice entered the car from the opposite side , and ejected him, and the assailants drove off with the car."

  • Anybody who witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the relevant time is asked to contact PC Lee Foster at Darlington CID on 101 quoting reference 491 of October 10.