MUGGERS who attacked a man on his way home from a pub were last night labelled cowards by police.

Two men wearing dark clothing and ski masks knocked their 49-year-old victim to the ground as he walked home from the Brunton Arms, at Marton, Middlesbrough.

The robbers took £20 and got into a white hatchback car, driven by a third accomplice. It sped off towards Cypress Road.

PC Andy Ainsby, who is investigating the robbery, said: "This has happened on the side of a busy road when people were making their way home from the pub. Someone must have witnessed this cowardly attack.''

The robbery happened at about 11pm on Sunday, near Marton shopping centre.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on (01642) 303126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111