Elderly pensioner, 91, injured in carjacking

A thief dragged victim David Gott from his car and drove off after the 91-year-old had driven his blue Renault Clio onto the driveway of his home in Eden View, Shotton Colliery, shortly before 9pm last night.

Two other men also jumped into the car before it was driven from the scene.

The victim suffered a cut to one of his arms and was assessed by paramedics at his home. He did not need hospital treatment.

Detective Chief Inspector Aelfwynn Sampson said: “This was a callous crime carried out on a vulnerable elderly man whose car is his lifeline. I would urge anyone who can help with our investigation to contact us.

“After it was stolen, the Renault Clio was in the Shotton area between 8.50pm and 9.30pm but we know it was also in the vicinity of Wingate Nature Reserve and Trimdon at some point.

“It eventually stopped close to Brackenhill livery yard shortly after 10.30pm. We would like to hear from anyone who spotted the blue Renault Clio between those times.”

Two men in their mid-20s and a 19-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the robbery.

They remain in custody at Peterlee police station.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101.