A fisherman was left reeling when thieves stole equipment from the boot of his car as he sat inside the vehicle.

The man had been fishing in the River Tees at Darlington and returned to the Broken Scar picnic site where he loaded angling equipment into the boot.

But when he got into the driver's seat, two youths opened the boot and stole the contents, before racing off in a red Mini.

As well as a fishing rod and reel, the thieves took a Goretex jacket and Sony digital camera in the raid at 11am on Tuesday.

Police said the Mini had a distinctive large bore exhaust.

The thieves were described as white and in their late teens.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.