TWO men armed with baseball bats escaped with several thousand pounds of cash following a street robbery yesterday.

Committee members from New Durham Workingmen's Club, in Mill Lane, Gilesgate, Durham City, were attacked when they came out of the premises at about 10.25am.

They were carrying two blue cash bags, containing several thousands of pounds of takings, when they were set upon by two masked men wearing dark clothing and carrying baseball bats.

The robbers appeared to come from the direction of Alington Place. They grabbed the bags, but dropped one during the struggle that followed.

They then made off in the direction of Ramsay Close, leaving the committee members shaken, but unhurt.

Police believe the robbers jumped into a blue Sierra, which was found abandoned a few minutes later behind Malvern Villas, in Sherburn Road.

Three men wearing dark clothing, possibly boiler suits, were seen running away in the direction of Laurel Avenue Primary School.

Detective Sergeant Eric Malkin said: "There is a betting shop, a church and an old folks' home near the club so there would be plenty of reasons for people to be in the area at that time."

Anyone with information should call Durham CID on 0191-386 4222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.