DETECTIVES are investigating an incident where a teenager was assaulted before having his bike stolen.

At approximately 8.30pm last night, Monday, January 25, a white Vauxhall Vivaro van pulled up alongside three teenagers on York Road in Hartlepool.

The male driver got out of the vehicle, threatened the victim, demanded money, punched the 18-year-old victim to the face then stole his bike. The victim suffered facial bruising.

This man is described as white, 6ft tall and of slim build. He was wearing a tracksuit and a black hat.

A spokesperson for Hartlepool CIS said: "No arrests have been made at this stage. However, we’d appeal for anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam which could help our ongoing enquiries to contact Cleveland Police via the 101 number quoting Ref 013130.

"Please also get in touch if you have seen the bike offered for sale.

"If you don’t want to speak to police, please consider passing information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111."