A MAN was punched several times in the face by a mugger who grabbed a nylon zip folder he was carrying.

The 23-year-old was walking along Burn Lane in Newton Aycliffe at 6.30pm last night when he was attacked as he neared Bousfield Crescent.

Detective Sergeant Bob McKay, of Newton Aycliffe CID, said: "A man approached the victim from the opposite direction, grabbed him, pulled his head forward and punched him several times in the face."

The attacker, described as being about 25, 6ft tall, of medium build and wearing a grey baseball cap, fled with the zip folder.

Details of the folder's contents are not being released by the police.

Anyone with information about the mugging is asked to call Newton Aycliffe CID on (01325) 314401