Police hunt violent gang of mobile phone muggers

Jun 23 2009 The Journal

A REVELLER was mugged for his wallet and mobile phone as he walked home after a night out.

The 25-year-old was chased by four men, one of whom grabbed him by the throat, during the early morning attack in Durham on Sunday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at around 2.30am. The victim was walking towards his home near Durham County Hall with a pizza when he was set-upon.

He was texting his girlfriend so did not notice a silver Renault Clio pull up next to him. The car pulled into a layby at the side of St Leonard’s Church and four people got out. The victim then felt a blow to the left side of his face and he was knocked to the floor. His attackers demanded that he hand over his money and his phone.

The man managed to get away but two of the men caught up with him and one grabbed him by the throat.

After being struck several more times, he handed over his mobile and his wallet, containing just a few pounds. He received treatment for a swollen jaw and a graze to his right hand.

The men are described as white, around 5ft 10ins and in their mid-twenties. One had cropped hair and was wearing a long sleeved jumper with cream and blue horizontal stripes while the other had short, mousey-coloured hair, a thin face and was wearing a cream jumper.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham CID on 0345 6060 365.