POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 31-year-old man was robbed at knifepoint while out walking his dogs.

The incident happened near the A66 underpass, close to Stressholme Golf Course, in Darlington, at about 9pm on Tuesday.

The robbers, who spoke with Darlington accents, tried to kick the man's dogs and demanded his wallet.

A spokeswoman for Durham Police said: “The first man is described as in his late 20s, slim built, 6ft to 6ft 1in, with a pale complexion, a gaunt skinny face and scruffy brown hair.

“He was wearing a dark blue unbranded baseball cap, blue tracksuit bottoms, scruffy blue jeans and white trainers “The second man was in his mid 20s, of medium build, 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in, of pale complexion with brown scruffy hair.

“He was wearing a grey T-shirt, dark blue, tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the side and dark coloured trainers.

“This is a popular area for dog walkers and people are asked to report anything suspicious, as well as being reminded to take sensible precautions for their personal safety when walking in secluded areas.”

Witnesses are asked to call police on 101 and ask for Detective Constable Jenny Gardiner, or Detective Constable Louise Crowe, of Darlington CID.