TWO youths were stopped from stealing a bike from a teenager after a have-a-go-hero stepped in, it has emerged.

Durham Police would now like to hear from the woman who helped prevent the theft as she is a witness to the crime.

The incident happened at about 8.15pm on Saturday, near Riley's snooker hall in Bondgate, Darlington.

A 15-year-old boy was walking opposite side of the road to Riley's snooker hall, pushing an orange stunt bike when he has been approached by two white youths, who were both between 17 and 18-years-old.

The youths demanded that he hand over his bike, threatening him with violence when he refused.

A woman passing by intervened and prevented the would-be thieves stealing the machine.

A police spokeswoman said the woman had acted as a good Samaritan and appealed for her to come forward and make contact with police in Darlington.

Anyone else who witnessed the incident should also contact them on 0345-60-60-365, quoting incident number DHM-04062011-0506.