Woman mugged at knifepoint in Durham City

The incident happened at 8.45pm on Saturday, 30th January as the 23-year-old victim was walking on the south side footpath of Sunderland Road in Gilesgate, near to the junction with The Moorlands.

She was without warning approached from behind by a man who grabbed hold of her shoulder, turned her around and brandished a large, black handled kitchen knife in his right hand.

He demanded the woman’s brown leather bag, which was on her shoulder and also her money.

He then grabbed and made off with the bag, which contained a small sum of cash, the victim’s Samsung mobile phone and various personal items.

The bag has since been found, in the Laurel Avenue area of the city minus the phone and money.

The robber is described as being in his twenties, of average height and wearing a grey hooded top with a balaclava over his face and dark tracksuit bottoms.

Detective constable Nigel Dowd said; “These types of incident are very unusual for Durham, the victim was left very shaken but fortunately was not hurt.

"We are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry and I would urge anyone who may have information to get in touch.”

People with information should ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers, 0800 555111.