AN east Durham garage worker needed hospital treatment after a robbery yesterday.

The man, in his 40s, lost consciousness when he was grabbed by the neck at the ATS Garage, in Warren Square, Horden.

He was treated in hospital in Hartlepool for shock and a back injury and released after treatment.

The incident happened at about 7.50am while the victim was in the garage premises with the roller shutter still down.

The man was grabbed from behind, then after losing consciousness because of the pressure on his neck, he dropped his keys on the ground.

The raider tried to open the safe with the keys but failed and fled.

Police found the till had been rifled but are not sure if the raider took anything.

Detective Constable Siobhan Jones said: "At this stage it is unclear if the robber was alone, but a car was seen leaving the area at quite high speed.

"The garage is on a corner of a busy junction and we know there were cars passing by at the time of the raid.

"It is possible someone may have seen the robber hanging about the premises, going into the garage or fleeing the scene, and we'd like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious.''

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterlee CID on 0191-586 2621 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.