DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a van driver had his mobile phone stolen during a robbery in Shotton Colliery.

The incident occurred at around 2pm on Friday in the village's Bridge Street.

It is believed the victim, a delivery driver was returning to his van when he was confronted by two men, one in the driver area of the van and one on the street. The man on the street demanded the victim hand over the keys to the van.

When the victim refused, the suspect in the van jumped out having stolen the victim’s mobile phone from the dashboard.

The second suspect then punched the victim causing his nose to bleed before they both made off.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call PC Cloke from Peterlee CID on 101 quoting reference number 242 of November 15.