A MAN was assaulted as he challenged someone attempting to steal a power tool from his van in a County Durham town, say police.

Officers are seeking two men in connection with the theft and assault which happened in Frosterley, in Weardale, on Sunday, at about 9.20am.

The force said it was understood one of the men was sitting in a silver 05 plate, two-door Peugeot car while the other was carrying out a search of the victim’s Citroen Berlingo van.

It is believed the van owner challenged the man as he was leaving the vehicle and was pushed to the ground.

A police spokesperson said the driver of the car then made threats to harm the victim.

A Sealey Impact Gun in a vinyl case, valued at about £200, was stolen.

It has a rechargeable battery and is black with a red line and writing around it.

The two suspects made off in the Peugeot in a westerly direction.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “Police are keen to trace two men in connection with the incident who are described as being in their mid-twenties, unshaven and wearing hoodies.”

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Police on non-emergency 101, quoting incident reference number 159 of July 2.
  • Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.