A PIZZA delivery man was threatened with a knife by a drunk demanding he drive him to a pub.

Police said the 38-year old was unhurt, but left shaken by the encounter, which happened in Rowan Place, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, at 8pm last Friday.

He had made his delivery and was returning to his car, a grey-green Mazda MX3, when a drunken man came up to him.

The drunk pulled out a knife and demanded a lift to the Oak Tree pub, in the town, kicking the car door when the victim refused.

Police have appealed for help to trace the man, who they described as white, aged 19 or 20, 5ft 9in, with a spotty complexion.

He had a local accent and was wearing a white Fred Perry sweatshirt and blue denim jeans.

He was described as being clean-looking and dressed as if he was going on a night out.

PC Colin Brotton, of Newton Aycliffe police, said: "At one stage, it was impossible for the driver to get back into his car because of where the attacker was standing.

"However, when a group of three people walked by, the man hid the weapon and the victim was able to climb into the vehicle and drive off.

"We would like to speak to those people and would urge them to contact us."

PC Brotton added: "It's possible the man with the knife is local and we would like to hear from anyone with information about him or this incident."

Witness are asked to call police on 0845-6060 365.