A TEENAGER was mugged in a busy Bishop Auckland street.

The 17-year-old was threatened with a knife and forced to hand over his PSP player (mini portable PlayStation) as he walked down Cockton Hill Road, at about 4.30pm on Monday.

The victim first saw his attackers as he walked along Kings Way, while playing on the games console and put it away when he saw the two men watching him.

He then walked along Newgate Street and on to Cockton Hill Road.

He was approached from behind by one of the men, who grabbed the collar of his coat, as he reached the Lady Eden Hospital which is opposite the town's general hospital.

The second man stood in front of him blocking the teenager's way and demanded he hand over the PSP or he would be stabbed.

One of the attackers is described as being in his late 30s or 40s, about 5ft 10in or 5ft 11in. He had a fat face, double chin, rough acne-scarred skin and bloodshot eyes.

He had light ginger stubble on his face and light eyebrows and was sturdy and muscular in appearance and was wearing a dark woolly hat slightly turned back and a zipped camouflage jacket with two breast and two waist pockets.

The other attacker was aged 25 to 35, 6ft 1in and of thin to medium build. He was wearing a thick white puffa-style jacket.

Detective Sergeant Wendy Tinkler from Bishop Auckland CID said: "Although the young man did not see the knife he feared the man threatening him had hold of one as he kept his hand in his pocket and appeared to have his fist clenched.

"The victim was clearly targeted by these men and was badly shaken by the incident. I would appeal to anyone who thinks they may know who is responsible to contact us."

Bishop Auckland CID can be contacted on 0845 60 60 365