TWO teenage boys were attacked by thugs and had their bikes stolen after a visit to a beauty spot.

One of the boys was punched while his friend was pushed to the ground, near Broken Scar, Darlington.

The pair, aged 13 and 14, had just left the picnic site on the banks of the River Tees, at about 5pm on Tuesday, when the robbers struck.

The 14-year-old was punched on the head, leaving him with a swollen ear, by the first attacker, who then grabbed his bike as his accomplice made his move.

Pushing the younger boy to the ground, he grabbed the second bike and they headed off over stiles, towards the Broken Scar car park.

Both attackers are thought to be aged about 19, have local accents, are about 6ft tall and skinny. One of them wore a baseball cap.

The stolen bikes were a black Mongoose and a Saxone Blue Finn.

Anyone with information is urged to call Darlington police crime desk on (01325) 742108 or 742155, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.