A TEENAGER was threatened with violence by thieves who stole his mobile phone in a Darlington park.

The attack, in South Park on Sunday, follows incidents in the town's Duke Street and Abbey Road last Wednesday and Thursday, where people had mobile phones snatched from their hands.

In the latest robbery, the 15-year-old victim was standing near the kiosk next to the South Park bowling green when two youths approached him at about 3pm.

Detective Constable Peter Eddy, of Darlington police, said: "They asked to use his mobile phone. When he refused, one of the males grabbed him by the arm and threatened him with violence, reached inside his jacket pocket, took the phone and ran off."

The youths ran off towards the caf area at the Parkside end of the park.

As well as the Nokia phone, the thieves also took a Kangol wallet including personal papers in the victim's name.

The first thief was aged about 17, 6ft tall and of muscular build with a local accent and short black hair.

He was wearing a cream sports top with a pouch on the front, black tracksuit trousers and white trainers.

His accomplice was about the same age, 6ft 2in, of thin build, with short, brown hair.

He was wearing a similar top, but in black, and dark blue or black trousers.

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