A businessman was shot in the foot today when a robber attacked him and then stole a vehicle containing tools near Burnopfield, County Durham.

The tools are valued at more than £30,000. The businessman, 37, was attacked when he arrived for work at a factory unit on the Hobson Industrial Estate.

Police said as he opened up he was approached by a man wearing a ski mask, who asked for keys to a van and when he said he did not have them he was shot.

Police believe the victim was shot with a sawn-off shotgun.

The stolen van has the words "Snap-on Tools" on the side. It was found burnt out on a bridle path leading to Hyons Wood, near Prudhoe, Northumberland.

The tools were marked with a unique serial number. Most had been stolen, but some were scattered on the ground.

The victim was treated in hospital for an injury to his heel.

The robber spoke with a strong Geordie accent and was about 6ft 2ins and well-built.

Durham Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time, is offered tools or has any information to contact them.