Man arrested after break-in at Darlington Indoor Market

Police were alerted to the break in after alarms and CCTV systems went off at 1.45am.

Officers arrived at the scene and found a 30-year-old man nearby. He was arrested and taken into police custody where he remains.

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Trader Sides, which only opened at the market on June 1, told The Northern Echo it believed cash had been taken. It was able to reopen a short time later.

Durham Police said: “A man has been arrested in connection with a burglary which took place at Darlington’s Indoor Market in the early hours of this morning (August 4).

“He remains in police custody while enquiries are ongoing.”

A 'Please do not enter' sign outside Sides in Darlington before forensic officers arrived at the scene. (Image: DANIEL HORDON)

Sides had reopened in time for lunch service by around 12.30pm, despite staff only being allowed back into the market at about 10am.

Sides’ manager Ory Vanes told The Northern Echo: “We own sides and PP’s but sides was the only one affected.

“We don’t know what has gone on so we can’t really comment on how it has happened but we have been broken into and by the looks of it they have taken some cash.”

Jon Mullen from neighbouring trader SpudGun said: “Luckily we don’t seem to have had anything taken.

“I don’t know how they’ve got in because it’s all locked up overnight.

Police at the scene of the incident at Darlington market on Friday (August 4) morning. (Image: AMY SMITH)

Market Asset Management, which manages Darlington Market confirmed it was helping police with their enquiries.

A spokesperson said: “As the incident is subject to a police investigation we are limited in what we can say.

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“We can confirm that after an intruder’s presence was noted at 1.46am on Friday morning our alarm system was activated and immediately notified Darlington Borough Council’s CCTV and Security Control Centre.

“They in turn notified the police who were quickly on the scene, and we understand apprehended a suspect a short time later. We are grateful for the quick response of both the council team and Durham Constabulary.

“The tenant is working with the police to identify any losses but thankfully no damage was caused to any units.

“The incident meant we had to delay opening until 10.30am to allow for police forensics to be undertaken and we are immensely grateful for the patience, support, understanding and cooperation of all our wonderful traders and customers.”