Delivery driver in hospital after attack

The victim of a robbery in Sunderland is in hospital after being dragged down a road in a vicious attack.

Northumbria Police detectives have appealed to the public for information after the takeaway driver was assaulted in a robbery in the Marley Potts area of the city.

The victim – a man – was delivering food to an address on Yewtree Avenue when he was attacked by someone who then took the keys to his vehicle. After a struggle, the victim was dragged down the road, suffering fractured ribs as well as injuries to his head and chest. He was taken to hospital.

His vehicle was later abandoned and discovered by officers in the Witherwack area.

A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery. He has been released under investigation.

Police are now asking anybody who witnessed the incident on Yewtree Avenue, or anybody who saw a blue Skoda Octavia taxi being driven in the Marley Potts or Witherwack areas on Tuesday, June 9, to come forward. The robbery happened at about 3am that day.

Detective Constable Jodie Faulkner said: “This was an incredibly serious incident that resulted in the victim being hospitalised with multiple injuries.” Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website quoting log 114 090620. Alternatively, email 3123@northumbria.pnn.police.uk or ring independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.