POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery on a man walking his dog at the weekend.

The incident happened as the victim was taking the pet along the path off Peterlee Cricket Club, on Helford Road, Peterlee, on Saturday (August 9), at about 11.30pm.

He was approached by a man wearing a black tracksuit who demanded him to hand over his wallet.

The dog walker refused, and the would-be robber threw a punch at his face.

But he fled when two other men, who are thought to have been making their way home from the nearby Hearts of Oak pub, approached the scene to intervene.

The suspect was described as very thin, about 5ft 9-10ins, with what appeared to be a local accent.

His tracksuit carried white pinstripes down each arm and leg.

The victim, who is in his mid-20s, suffered only a minor injury.

PC Glen Davies, the officer overseeing the police inquiry, said he was keen to hear from the two men who stepped in to help.

He said: “We think they may have been making their way in the direction of Oakerside Drive and saw what they initially assumed was a fight.

“As we do not have their details we would ask them to get in touch if they can help our inquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.