A MAN has been left needing hospital treatment after being robbed as he made his way home from a night out.

The 25-year-old was attacked outside St Leonard's Church, in Durham City in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The victim was heading up Framwelgate Peth at about 2.30am, when a silver Renault Clio containing four men pulled up.

The victim was knocked to the floor as his attackers demanded his money and phone, but he escaped and was chased across the dual carriageway.

Two of his pursuers caught up with him and he was grabbed by the throat, repeating the demands for his wallet and mobile phone. He was struck several more times and handed over his phone and black leather wallet, which contained a few pounds.

He then made his way home and rang police, before going to the University Hospital of North Durham for treatment for a swollen jaw and graze to his right hand.

Detective constable Paul Halpin said: "The victim was targeted deliberately as he made his way home and was outnumbered four to one.

"Even at that time of day we are hoping other motorists will have been driving past and if anyone saw this incident, or saw the men who were in the Renault Clio we would like them to get in touch."

Both the men who pursued the victim across the road were white, in their mid 20s and about 5ft 10ins tall.

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 long-sleeved cream jumper.

Anyone who recognises the descriptions, or who may have been in the area early on Sunday morning, is asked to ring Durham CID on 0345-6060-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.