DETECTIVES investigating the knifepoint robbery of a man on a busy roadside have renewed their appeal for information.

Darlington motorist Gianni Ross was robbed of his £12,000 Rolex watch and a quantity of jewellery by three men in a layby on the A67. The attack happened between the Old Farmhouse pub and the Morton Palms roundabout, just after 6.45pm on May 5.

Mr Ross pulled into the lay-by after another car driver flashed his lights at him. After the other driver carried on, Mr Ross checked his lights and found an indicator was faulty.

While he worked inside his car, a man came up behind him and threatened him with a large knife, before stripping Mr Ross of his jewellery, including the watch and a sovereign ring.

These were passed to two accomplices who shielded the incident from passing motorist before all three jumped into a K-registration BMW and drove off towards Darlington.

The robbers were in their 30s and the man carrying the knife, and one of his accomplices, were described as Afro-Caribbean.

The knifeman wore a petrol blue tracksuit and spoke with a Yorkshire or southern accent, while the second man wore a powder blue tracksuit.

The third man was believed to be Brazilian and wore large earrings, a thick gold chain around his neck, a light suit and a Panama hat.

Witnesses to the theft are asked to telephone Detective Constable Jo Slater, on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.