DETECTIVES in Darlington are investigating two robberies in the North Road area of town.

The first incident happened at about 8.45pm on Wednesday, in Zetland Street, when a 22-year-old woman was approached by two young men in their late teens.

One of the men threatened the woman with a knife, or other bladed instrument, and they took her handbag and ran off towards a back alley.

In Widdowfield Street, at the North Road end of the Denes area, a man was punched in the back of the head and knocked to the ground by a man he refused to sell some cigarettes.

This attack happened at 11.25pm and, as the victim lay on the ground, his attacker stole his wallet.

The attacker was described as white, late 30s to 40 years old, of medium build, with a shaved head and black moustache. He wore dark clothing. It is possible he had an accomplice.

The man with the blade in Zetland Street and his partner are both described as white and aged 16 to 17. The main instigator wore a white jacket, scarf and cap, his colleague wore a dark jacket.

The incidents are not being linked by police. Anybody who has any information about either incident is urged to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.