A WOULD-BE thief put a man in a headlock as he tried to rob him of his phone.
The 24-year-old man had got off the number 20 Go North East service from Durham at the stop on Sunderland Road, close to the Sainsbury’s store and Sherburn Road Estate on the outskirts of Durham.
He had his mobile phone in his hand.
But as he walked down The Moorlands, he was suddenly grabbed from behind by a man.
The attacker demanded he had over his smartphone and grabbed him around the neck in a headlock while trying to take the phone.
During the brief struggle the phone was dropped and smashed on the ground.
The attacker then ran off as a couple walked around the corner.
The man and woman asked the victim if he was all right and he told them he was before running off.
The attacker is described as 6ft 2in, slim, with short, black hair. He was clean shaven with a gaunt face.
Police do not know who the couple are, but hope they will come forward to help with the investigation.
Anyone with information about the attempted robbery, which happened just after 6pm on Thursday is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101.
Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers, tel: 0800 555 111.
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