A MAN was mugged for cash shortly after withdrawing notes from an automatic dispenser close to a police station.

Police have appealed for witnesses to yesterday morning's daytime attack, which took place in a busy area of Durham, just off New Elvet and near the city police station.

The victim, a 23-year-old man from Sherburn Village, near Durham, had withdrawn £320 from the cash machine outside Barclays, at the junction of New Elvet and Elvet Crescent.

After putting the money in his wallet, he walked around the corner into Elvet Crescent where he was pushed from behind.

He fell to the ground and lost his grip of the wallet.

The mugger than grabbed the wallet and made off, with a possible accomplice a short distance ahead.

Police said the youth who carried out the snatch was aged 16 to 17, 5ft 10in, well-built, and had a distinctive shaved head, with either a stripe, crease or fold at the back.

He was wearing a dark, short-sleeved T-shirt, dark tracksuit bottoms, with a fluorescent green stripe down the legs, and light-coloured trainers.

The other youth was said to be of a similar age, about 5ft 8in, of thin build, and wearing a red baseball cap, grey hooded sweatshirt, dark tracksuit bottoms and light-coloured trainers.

Their victim was said to have grazed his left hand when he fell.

Detective Constable Dave Wilson, of Durham City CID, said: "This robbery occurred at a distance of only about 50 yards from the police station, at a time when there were a lot of people about in cars and on foot.

"We would appeal to anyone who saw what happened, or either of these youths running away, to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-386 4222, or the Crimestoppers' anonymous freephone hotline, on (0800) 555111.