A VULNERABLE 85-year-old man has been left afraid to leave his home after being mugged by two men on bikes.

Among the items stolen from the backpack he was carrying was a newspaper cutting from 1960 featuring his wedding.

The victim, who has Alzheimer's, was walking over a road bridge above the railway line near Lidl on Junction Road, Norton, Stockton, when he was approached by two male suspects on pedal bikes, at about 5.20pm on Saturday, June 23.

A struggle ensued before they grabbed his black backpack and his Tweed jacket, although the jacket was later recovered by police.

He escaped without any physical injuries.

However the backpack contained sentimental items such as the newspaper clipping as well as a small A5-sized satchel with documents inside.

The suspects are described as two white men aged in their early thirties.

One was around 5ft 8” tall, with a shaved head and wearing a light blue T-shirt which could have possibly been a football shirt.

On behalf of the victim, his two daughters Katie Lunn and Clare Palmer, said: “Dad lives at home with Alzheimer’s and is supported by his family.

"He would make regular trips to see our mam, his wife of 58 years, who lives in a local care home. This incident has left an already vulnerable, elderly man anxious and afraid to leave his home.”

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Pete Lillie from Stockton Operational Crime Team, said: “This is an appalling crime targeting a vulnerable, elderly man in broad daylight. The victim tried to stop his belongings from being stolen but unfortunately the suspects managed to get away with personal and sentimental items.

“Junction Road is busy with motorists and I would appeal for anyone who may have been travelling along this road around the time of the incident who may have information or may have dash cam footage of those responsible to get in touch.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Pete Lillie from Stockton Operational Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 113184. Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.