A YOUNG woman has been robbed at knifepoint in Durham.

The 23-year-old was walking on the south side footpath of Sunderland Road, in Gilesgate, near to the junction with The Moorlands, on Saturday night (January 30) when she was accosted at about 8.45pm.

A man jumped her from behind, grabbed her shoulder, turned her round and brandished a large, black-handled kitchen knife in his right hand.

The robber demanded the woman’s brown leather bag, which she was carrying over her shoulder, and her money.

He grabbed and made off with the bag, which contained a small amount of cash, a Samsung mobile phone and various personal items.

The bag was later found, in the Laurel Avenue area of Sherburn Road Estate, without the phone and money.

The robber is described as being in his 20s, of average height and wearing a grey hooded top with a balaclava over his face and dark tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Constable Nigel Dowd said: “These types of incident are very unusual for Durham.

“The victim was left very shaken but fortunately was not hurt.

“We are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry and I would urge anyone who may have information to get in touch.”

Anyone with information can call Durham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.