A BUSINESSMAN was recovering in hospital last night after being shot in the foot by a robber who stole a vehicle containing more than £30,000 worth of professional tools.

A police spokesman said the robber, who was believed to be armed with sawn-off shotgun, struck as the victim arrived for work at a factory unit on the Hobson Industrial Estate near Burnopfield, County Durham, at 6am yesterday.

As the 37-year-old opened the premises, he was approached by a man wearing a ski mask. The robber demanded keys to a van and when the victim said he did not have them, he was shot.

The robber stole a white Mercedes van with the words Snap-on Tools on the side.

The vehicle was found shortly after 6.30am burnt out on a bridle path leading to Hyons Wood, near Mickley, which is between Hedley on the Hill and Prudhoe.

Most of the tools, each of which was marked with a unique serial number, had been stolen but some were scattered on the ground.

The victim was treated at the University Hospital of North Durham in Durham City for an injury to his heel.

The robber, who spoke with a strong Geordie accent, was described as being about 6ft 2in tall and well-built.

Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Watson said: "I would urge anyone with information which could help with our inquiries to come forward.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle either before or at the time it was abandoned.

"If anyone is offered tools bearing the Snap-on brand other than from an official Snap-on dealer they should also get in touch with us."

Stanley police can be contacted on the police non-emergency number 0845 6060 365, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.