A MAN has been arrested after an attempted carjacking near a railway station.

A driver was returning to his Audi A3 parked near Chester-le-Street railway station on Monday evening when the incident happened.

As he made his way back to the car, which was parked on disused land at the junction of Station Road and Avondale Terrace, at about 6.15pm, he was approached by a man wearing a grey hoody and tracksuit bottoms who allegedly tried to steal the vehicle.

However, with the help of another man, the driver confronted the alleged thief and he fled the scene empty-handed.

The suspect is described as being 5ft 8ins tall and of slim build.

Detective constable Chris Bentham, from Stanley CID, said: "This was a very distressing incident for the victim and although he was uninjured, he has been left shaken and upset.

“I would urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.”

A man has since been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to call Durham Police on 101.