A GANG mugged a man for his wallet and tried to take his shoes, police have said.

Officers are appealing for information following the mugging on Thursday evening near Darlington’s cattle market.

The victim turned into an alley between Rockingham Street and Greenwell Street and noticed two men blocking his way.

A third man came up behind him and the gang tried to engage him in conversation before one of the men grabbed the victim from behind.

A scuffle ensued, where the gang tried to take the man’s trainers and managed to steal his wallet containing £55 cash as well as bank cards.

The gang made off along Bedford Street.

Police have issued descriptions of the three suspects.

The first male is described as in his late 20s or early 30s, black or mixed race, with black 1in-long dreadlocks. He is well-built and was wearing a light coloured top.

The second man is in his late teens to early 20s, white, with short blonde hair. He is between 5ft8in and 5ft11in tall, of slim build and may have had two earrings in his left ear. He was wearing Adidas bottoms and a tracksuit top.

The third man is described as white, in his early 20s and also between 5ft8in and 5ft11in. He has short brown hair and was wearing a baseball hat.

Inspector Steve Steen, of Darlington police, said: “It is quite an unusual attack in this area of town, and it is quite unusual that they tried to take his trainers. It does appear to be an isolated incident.

“We would ask anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to contact us on the non-emergency number.”

Anyone with information should speak to police on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.