POLICE are searching for a mugger who carried out a daytime attack.

The mugger struck on Friday in Bishop Auckland. His victim was a man outside the Tenters Street post office.

The thief snatched the man's bag, containing shop takings, and fled over a footbridge towards Edgar Grove.

It is thought the theft will have activated a security device inside the bag which releases an orange dye on to the contents and anyone who opens the satchel.

The thief was described as being in his late teens or early 20s, slim, with dark clothing and a baseball cap or woolly hat.

Anyone who saw theft, which happened at 10am on Friday, or who has been given any money stained with orange dye, is asked to contact detectives on (01388) 603566