A PENSIONER was pushed to the ground and robbed when he was targeted after withdrawing cash from a bank.

Detectives from Durham Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack on the 83-year-old man.

Police say a struggle between the victim and the suspect ensued before the pensioner was pushed to the ground on Rennie Street, in Ferryhill, at 9.50pm last night.

A force spokeswoman said: "It is believed the victim was followed from the nearby Post Office cash machine, in the Market Place, after he had withdrawn some money.

"The suspect is described as in his late 20s, 6ft tall, of slim build and wearing a jacket with fur around the hood. He was last seen walking off towards the Dean Bank Estate, in Ferryhill.

"The victim, who was walking his dog at the time, sustained a minor hand injury.

"Officers will be in the area today making further enquiries."

Temporary Detective Sergeant, Tom Edwards, of Bishop Auckland CID said: “An 83-year-old male has been walking from Ferryhill Market Place towards Dean Bank area. We believe he may have been followed where he has then been attacked and robbed and had money stolen from him.

“We are looking for members of the public to help us in identifying the person responsible and provide us with any information they think might be beneficial.

“Incidents like this are rare and officers are out to reassure the public which will continue for the next couple of days especially as we are trying to trace any potential CCTV.

“If anybody has CCTV in the area of Lightfoot Terrace in Ferryhill, that would be very helpful.”

  • Anyone who saw the victim or the suspect around this time or has any information about the incident is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting reference number 510 of December 8.