A MAN was the victim of an unprovoked attack while wallking on the old railway line near the Blue Bridge in Newton Aycliffe on Friday evening.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place between 6.30pm and 7pm.

Officers say the 32-year-old victim was between the Blue Bridge and the nature reserve when he was attacked and robbed.

He did not sustain any serious injuries, but was shaken by the incident, and property was stolen from him.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area on Friday night who may have seen two or three males together on the Old Railway Line at the time of the incident, or who saw people running from the footpath.

The attack happened near to a crossroads with pathways to Groat Drive on the Industrial Park and Clarence Green properties.

The area is popular with dog walkers and those traveling to and from work in the Industrial Estate.

Durham Police added: "In particular South Durham CID officers are keen to speak to anyone walking in the area who may have been carrying a bag and walking in the direction of the industrial estate, and a cyclist who was traveling towards the old railway line. Both these people will have passed Beaumont’s Ground Maintenance and Frack’s Transport around the time of the incident and may have witnessed persons involved.

"Anyone with information is requested to contact Durham Police on 101 and request to speak to South Durham CID at Bishop Auckland or quoting incident number DHM-30082019-0423."