THREE men have been charged with robbery after a 91-year-old man was the victim of a car-jacking.

Pensioner David Gott had driven onto the driveway of his home in Eden View, Shotton Colliery, County Durham, when he was dragged out of his blue Renault Clio by a robber - who then sped off.

Two other men also jumped into the car before it was driven away shortly before 9pm on Friday night.

Mr Gott suffered a cut to one of his arms and was assessed by paramedics at his home but did not require hospital treatment.

Detective Chief Inspector Aelfwynn Sampson said: “This was a callous crime carried out on a vulnerable elderly man whose car is his lifeline. I would urge anyone who can help with our investigation to contact us.

“After it was stolen, the Renault Clio was in the Shotton area between 8.50pm and 9.30pm but we know it was also in the vicinity of Wingate Nature Reserve and Trimdon at some point.

"It eventually stopped close to Brackenhill livery yard shortly after 10.30pm. We would like to hear from anyone who spotted the blue Renault Clio between those times.”

Three local men - two aged 26 and one aged 19 - were arrested in connection with the incident and have since been charged with robbery.

A spokeswoman for Durham Police confirmed they will appear before magistrates in Peterlee on Monday morning.

They will remain in custody until their court appearance.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101.