POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 16-year-old boy was assaulted at a Darlington bus stop.

The attack on the boy, who was with his girlfriend and other friends at Tubwell Row bus stop, happened just after 6pm on December 4.

The teenager was pushed and lifted off his feet by the man, who is white, between 37 and 42 years old, about 5ft 2in to 5ft 4in, of fat build with droopy facial features. He was also wearing a hat at the time and police believe he had been drinking.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Durham Police on 101 and ask for Sergeant Gary Davison at Darlington.

HOT PROPERTY: A man has been charged with burglary after a boiler was stolen from the kitchen of a property in Bank Top, Darlington. Steven Levy, 55, from Darlington, is due to appear at Darlington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, December 20.

FUN AT FOUR: Youngsters of all ages are invited to the Fun@Four and S2 Christmas Party at St Matthew and St Luke’s Church, in Brinkburn Road, Darlington. The event will include food, songs, stories and other Christmas activities. It will run from 4pm until 5pm on Sunday, December 23 and all are welcome, including parents.

WINTER NIGHTS: Darlington Police will be running a crime information stall in Darlington tomorrow (Saturday, December 8) as part of their Winter Nights campaign. Officers will be on hand to offer advice on crime prevention during the long nights, as well as giving residents the chance to sign up to their local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. The stall will be open from noon until 3pm.