Durham Police have taken a scrap metal vehicle off the roads after neighbourhood wardens discovered that it was operating without the appropriate licences. 

The vehicle tore off at "dangerous speeds" when the driver spotted neighbourhood wardens from Durham County Council - but was later apprehended by cops while trawling the streets of Chester le Street. 

This incident highlights the need for all waste and scrap metal collectors to have the appropriate licenses, with Durham Constabulary working in partnership with other bodies and taking action against traders who operate illegally. 

A spokesperson from the neighbourhood wardens explained: "This scrap vehicle was not hanging about when the occupants spotted our wardens this morning.

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"Neighbourhood Warden 132 spotted this vehicle going up and down the streets of South Stanley this morning, appearing to look into yards and gardens.

"When the occupants saw our warden behind them, the driver put his pedal to the metal and made off at a dangerous speed.

"The vehicle's registration was shared with our colleagues at Durham Constabulary and the vehicle was later stopped in Chester le Street by police.

"You must have a waste carriers licence and a scrap collectors licence to operate as a scrap collector in County Durham and we work alongside our colleagues at Durham Constabulary will take action to those that want to operate illegally.

"Our enquires are now ongoing with the occupants of this vehicle."