POLICE in Bishop Auckland are appealing for information after robbers stole a young man's moped on Sunday night.

The 18-year-old victim was riding his Peugeot Viva City along an access road leading to the rear of Grange Avenue between 10.30pm and 10.45pm, when he was forced to stop because two youths were in the middle of the road.

One of the youths spoke to the victim, who lives in Grange Avenue, but he had to switch off the moped's engine and remove his helmet to hear what was being said.

One of the attackers then punched the teenager in the face while his accomplice scratched him with what is believed to have been a screwdriver, while demanding the victim hand over the ignition key.

The victim refused to give them the key and ran from the scene, leaving the 100cc moped behind. He returned a short time later with members of his family to discover the £600 moped, which has the registration NX51 NXG, missing.

One of the robbers was 19 to 20, about 6ft, slim, with gaunt facial features and a goatee beard. He was wearing a dark woolly hat and dark clothing.

His accomplice was aged about 14, 5ft 2in and was also wearing a dark woolly hat along with a green waxed jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sergeant Warren Hawes at Bishop Auckland on 0845 60 60 365.