POLICE are warning mobile phone users in Darlington to keep their handsets out of sight after a spate of thefts.

Detectives are investigating two muggings in which robbers targeted young men and took their mobile phones, including one incident in which a knife was used.

A phone was also snatched from a man walking in the town's South Park.

Sergeant Alison Jackson, of Darlington police, said: "Obviously we are seeking information about the incidents that have occurred, but we also want to make people aware that this is happening and to be vigilant.

"Mobile phones are best kept out of sight. We would ask people to be extremely careful and think twice before getting their mobile phone out."

She said officers were linking the two robberies because they both involved young male victims who had been out drinking.

The first happened on July 9, at 12.10am, in Haughton Road, near the junction with the MFI factory.

A 19-year-old man was approached by two men who restrained him, searched his pockets and stole his Nokia 7250 camera phone. One of the assailants was described as white, in his early 20s and more than 6ft tall.

The second incident occurred at 12.30am on Sunday, in Corporation Road.

A man in his early 20s was approached by two men, one of whom threatened him with a knife and stole his Sony Ericsson T610 phone.

The man with the knife was about 6ft 1in tall, had blond hair and was wearing combat trousers and a red, hooded top.

Sgt Jackson said: "On both occasions it happened on weekends, just after midnight, and the victims had been out drinking. We are not ruling out the possibility that they are linked. The victims weren't hurt, just threatened."

The third incident, in South Park, is not thought to be connected. An Asian male had his Motorola V600 phone snatched from his hand by youths at 4.30pm on July 10.

One of the youths was fair-haired and wore a hooded jacket with Nike on the back.

Anyone with information about the thefts can call Sgt Jackson on (01325) 467681.