DETECTIVES are looking for a robber who beat up his victim before fleeing empty-handed.

The attempted robbery in Claypath in Durham on Wednesday is believed to be linked to another incident at the city's railway station on the same day.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "It is understood the first incident occurred on Claypath at around 6.50pm on Wednesday, October 11 where a man approached a member of the public and demanded money.

"He then assaulted the individual and made off without cash.

"The second incident happened on the steps leading to the city from the train station at around 8:50pm on October 11.

"On this occasion a man is believed to have been demanding money from members of the public while making threats."

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incidents.

Detective Sergeant Chris Woollett said: “Both of these incidents occurred in the city where lots of people will have been around.

"I would urge anyone with any information to come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101, quoting incident number 421 of October 11 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.