DETECTIVES are appealing for the public's help after three men carried out a street robbery on Sunday afternoon.

At about 2.40pm, a 19-year-old man drew a small amount of money from a cash point outside the post office in Seaham's Stockton Road.

Three young men approached him and demanded the money.

When they physically threatened him, he handed over the cash, but at that point, he was punched in the face and knocked to the ground. The thieves fled towards East Lea.

Detective Sergeant Paul Colling, who is leading the investigation into the incident, said the victim did not require medical treatment following the attack, but had been left distressed.

"This was a cowardly attack. The victim handed over the money when he was threatened and he was needlessly punched in the face,'' said Det Sgt Colling.

"We are currently studying CCTV footage in a bid to identify those responsible. We also believe there were people in the area at the time who would have witnessed what happened and we would like them to come forward as a matter of urgency.''

Two of the attackers were bare-chested. All are thought to be between 18 and 20 .

One described as about 6ft, with blond hair. His accomplices both had short dark hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 0845-606-0365 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.