DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a young girl was robbed in Bishop Auckland.

The teenager was left shaken and hurt after being attacked as she walked towards Bracks Farm housing estate on Wednesday night.

Police said the victim was walking along the footpath at around 5pm when she was knocked to the ground by an unknown male, believed to have been travelling on a pedal bike.

The man stole her mobile phone before riding off towards Durham Road, they added.

During the altercation, the victim sustained a head injury and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

She did not require any further treatment but was "understandably shaken".

The suspect is described as being in his 30s with a bald head and stubble. He could be seen wearing a khaki wax jacket.

Anyone who saw the incident or saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to call DC Jeremy Downing at Bishop Auckland CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.