A man has been hospitalised after he was knocked off his bike by a van before being assaulted and robbed of a bag.

Police have appealed for information following the incident in Rudyard Avenue, Stockton, on Wednesday (August 14).

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Police received a report that a man had been robbed around 6:45pm on Wednesday 14th August on Rudyard Avenue, Stockton.

"The 45-year-old man is believed to have been hit by a van whilst on his bike and assaulted before having a bag stolen.

"The man was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees with injuries which are not life-threatening."

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Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Stockton CID on 101, quoting reference number 156402.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.